Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani recently assumed the role of Vice Chief of Army Staff, marking a significant milestone in his distinguished military career spanning 37 years. He was previously serving as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command based in Lucknow.
Commissioned into The Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, Lt. Gen. Raja is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA). He holds a Master of Arts Degree from King’s College, London, and an M.Phil in Defence Studies from Madras University. His professional development includes stints at the Joint Services Command Staff College in the UK and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
Throughout his career, Lt. Gen. NS Raja has held a diverse array of Command, Staff, and Instructional appointments, contributing significantly across various conflict scenarios and terrains. He possesses extensive operational expertise, particularly concerning the Western and Northern Borders of India.
In recognition of his outstanding service, Lt. Gen. Raja has been honored with prestigious military awards such as the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
His appointment as Vice Chief of Army Staff coincides with General Upendra Dwivedi assuming office as the 30th Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General Manoj Pande. General Dwivedi brings to the role a wealth of experience from his tenure as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024.
