ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Government of India has appointed former Vice Chief of the Indian Army Lieutenant General (retd) NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding Anil Chauhan, one year after the failure of Operation Sindoor.
At the same time, Krishna Swaminathan, currently serving as Western Naval Commander, has been appointed as the next Chief of the Indian Navy, replacing Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.
The appointments have sparked debate in political and strategic circles, with some commentators and social media users alleging growing ideological influence within sections of India’s military leadership.
Critics have raised concerns over what they describe as increasing “saffronization” and political alignment in senior military appointments, while supporters argue the selections are based on operational experience and seniority.
Experts say that Lt Gen Retd Subramani’s only ‘claim to fame’ is his right-wing Hindutva mindset and close affiliation with Modi and Rajnath that earned him the 4th star long after he retired.
Informed sources claim current Army Chief Gen Dwivedi was the favourite, again due to his Hindutva credentials, the stinging defeat in Operation Sindoor sealed his fate.
There are also reports of serious consternation in senior ranks of all three services in which promotion merit is being sacrificed at the altar of religious credentials.
Retired 3 stars who weren’t even considered fit to be promoted to 4 stars at the time are being promoted later on personal religious credentials and political affiliation.
One reason for defeat in Operation Sindoor, as billed in informed circles in India, is the incompetence and political leanings of top Indian military leadership, especially CDS Anil Chauhan and Army Chief Gen Dwivedi.
