Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani assumed the role of Vice Chief of Army Staff, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Monday. Prior to this appointment, Lt Gen Subramani served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command based in Lucknow. This decision came after Gen Upendra Dwivedi took charge as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) upon the retirement of General Manoj Pande on June 30.
"Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Army Staff today. The General Officer was tenanting the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command based at Lucknow," the Defence Ministry said.
Lt Gen Subramani commanded the Amry's Central Command before taking up his new role. His military education included training at the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Joint Services Command Staff College in Bracknell, UK, and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
He held a Master of Arts from King's College, London, and an MPhil in Defence Studies from Madras University. His military career spanned over 37 years, during Operation Rhino in Assam, an infantry brigade along the International Boundary with Pakistan, and a Black Cat division in Northeast India. His senior leadership roles included commanding the Uttar Bharat Area and the prestigious Kharga Corps at Ambala.
"He has in his illustrious career spanning over 37 years served across a wide spectrum of conflict and terrain profiles and has tenanted a host of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments. The General Officer has insightful knowledge and a deep understanding of operational dynamics on both the Western and Northern Borders," the Ministry said in its statement.
"For his distinguished service to the Nation, the General Officer has been awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal," it added.
The Vice Chief of Army Staff is the second-highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army. This statutory position involves acting as the deputy professional head of the Army and serving as a senior adviser to the Ministry of Defence. The VCOAS typically ascends from officers who have displayed exceptional military and administrative skills throughout their service.