Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, General N. S. Raja Subramani paid a courtesy call on Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in New Delhi on July 16, 2026. The high-level interaction centred on key aspects of India’s national security architecture, including the prevailing security environment, strengthening jointness among the Armed Forces, capability development and ongoing defence reforms aimed at enhancing the country’s military preparedness and operational effectiveness.
During the meeting, General Raja Subramani briefed the Raksha Rajya Mantri on matters relating to the evolving security landscape and the measures being undertaken to strengthen India’s defence capabilities in response to contemporary and emerging challenges. The discussions underscored the Government’s continued focus on building a technologically advanced, integrated and future-ready military force capable of safeguarding the nation’s strategic interests across multiple domains.
A major area of deliberation was the enhancement of jointness and integration among the three services of the Indian Armed Forces. The Department of Military Affairs has been spearheading efforts to promote greater operational synergy and institutional integration between the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force in line with the broader objectives of defence modernisation. Strengthening tri-service cooperation remains central to improving operational effectiveness and ensuring seamless responses to evolving security contingencies.
The meeting also focused on capability development initiatives aimed at equipping the Armed Forces with advanced technologies, modern military platforms and enhanced operational capabilities. India’s ongoing defence modernisation programmes continue to prioritise indigenous capability development, technological innovation and the adoption of future-oriented military systems that can effectively address the changing character of warfare.
General Raja Subramani and Shri Sanjay Seth discussed measures to further strengthen operational preparedness across the Armed Forces. Maintaining a high state of readiness through realistic training, technological integration and robust logistical capabilities remains critical to preserving operational superiority in an increasingly dynamic strategic environment. The emphasis on preparedness reflects the Indian military’s commitment to ensuring rapid and effective responses across the full spectrum of military operations.
The interaction also reviewed the progress of ongoing defence reforms being implemented under the Department of Military Affairs. Since its establishment, the Department has played a pivotal role in advancing structural and organisational reforms designed to improve resource optimisation, enhance joint planning mechanisms and facilitate greater integration among the services. These initiatives are intended to create a more cohesive and agile military structure capable of meeting future security challenges.
Defence reforms remain an important component of India’s long-term vision for military transformation, encompassing initiatives related to organisational restructuring, technological modernisation, indigenous defence production and enhanced inter-service cooperation. The continued emphasis on reform reflects the Government’s commitment to building armed forces that are both operationally effective and strategically adaptive.
The courtesy call also highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between the political and military leadership in addressing matters of national security and defence preparedness. Regular interactions at the highest levels facilitate informed decision-making and contribute significantly to the development of comprehensive strategies aimed at strengthening India’s military capabilities.
As Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, General N. S. Raja Subramani plays a central role in promoting greater integration among the services while advancing the country’s military transformation agenda. His interaction with the Raksha Rajya Mantri reaffirmed the shared commitment towards enhancing operational readiness, fostering jointness and accelerating defence reforms in pursuit of a stronger and more capable military.
The discussions reflect India’s continued efforts to build a modern, integrated and future-ready defence force that remains prepared to address both present and emerging security challenges while effectively safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and strategic interests.
