India, May 31 -- General NS Raja Subramani will on Sunday take charge as India's next chief of defence staff (CDS), replacing General Anil Chauhan who retired on Saturday. Also, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will take over as the navy chief from Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi who retires on Sunday.

The appointments arrive at a pivotal moment as the armed forces advance theaterisation, a long-awaited reform designed to integrate the military's resources for future conflicts. Chauhan steered the defence forces through a significant phase of transformation and integration, leaving behind a legacy of service and excellence, the defence ministry said.

The new CDS is expected to fast-track the establishment of joint services commands, a key objectiv...