The whole country is mourning the death of General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, his wife and 11 other armed forces personnel who died on Wednesday after the military helicopter they were travelling in crashed near Coonoor in Tamilnadu.
General Rawat had served as the Chief of the Indian Army from 17 December, 2016, to 31 December, 2019. He was appointed as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff on 31 December, 2019. Army Chief Gen MM Naravane and all ranks of the force paid heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of Gen Rawat, his wife and 11 others.
‘The dynamic and inspiring leadership of General Bipin Rawat shall remain eternally etched in our memories. The #IndianArmedForces will forever remain indebted to his invaluable contributions,’ the Army tweeted.
The Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met to discuss the situation arising out of the crash. As Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Rawat was overseeing the implementation of an ambitious tri-services modernisation plan to bring synergy among the armed forces and enhance their overall combat capabilities.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders have condoled the death of General Rawat and others. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was ‘deeply anguished’ by the sudden demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others in an ‘extremely unfortunate helicopter’ accident.
‘My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this accident. Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh, who is currently under treatment at the Military Hospital, Wellington,’ Singh tweeted.
‘General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our Armed Forces,’ he said. Rest in peace, brave hearts.