Tributes poured in from around the world after India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others died in an Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17V5 helicopter crash in the Nilgiris in the southern Indian Tamil Nadu state on Wednesday.
General Rawat was accompanied by his wife Madhulika Rawat, Defence Assistant Brigadier Lakhbinder Singh Lidder, Staff Officer Lieutenant Colonel Harjinder Singh, Havaldar Satpal Rai, Naik Gursewak Singh, Naik Jitender Kumar, Lance Naik Vivek Kumar and Lance Naik B. Sai Teja. The IAF flight crew of the helicopter commanded by Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan, included Squadron Leader Kuldeep Singh, Junior Warrant Officer Rana Pratap Das and Junior Warrant Officer Arakkal Pradeep. The sole survivior, Group Captain Varun Singh, Directing Staff at DSSC, who had incidentally been awarded the Shaurya Chakra on Independence Day, ‘is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington’, according to the IAF.
An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with CDS Gen Bipin Rawat on board, met with an accident today near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
An Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident.— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
General Rawat was flying from the IAF base at Sulur to the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) at Wellington, when the helicopter crashed at around 12:20 pm on Wednesday. The IAF confirmed the demise of the CDS and 12 others onboard, a little past 6 pm.
Following the announcement, condolences and tributes poured in for the deceased military personnel from India and around the world.
President Ramnath Kovind said, “I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family. It’s deeply painful for me to learn of the loss of lives in the chopper crash. I join the fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ” I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the Armed Forces. They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.”
Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/YOuQvFT7Et
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement on Wednesday, “Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country. 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. 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.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed Parliament of the chain of events on Thursday, saying, “The Air Force Mi 17 V 5 helicopter took off from Sulur Air Base at 11:48 AM yesterday and was expected to land at Wellington by 12:15 PM. Air Traffic Control at Sulur Air Base lost contact with the helicopter at approximately 12:08 PM. Subsequently, few locals spotted a fire in the forest near Coonoor and rushed to the spot where they observed the wreckage of military helicopter engulfed in flames.”
He also said a tri-service inquiry that had been ordered into the crash. The Flight Data Recorder of the helicopter has been recovered. The mortal remains of the deceased are expected to arrive in Delhi later on Thursday.
A tri Service enquiry regarding the incident has been ordered by Indian Air Force, headed by Air Marshal Manvendra Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command: Raksha Mantri
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) December 9, 2021
Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and the chiefs of the three services sent messages on the sudden demise, in addition to others in the defence establishment.
Am deeply shocked and anguished on untimely demise of Gen Bipin Rawat. The country has lost a top Military officer and I have lost a dear friend.
My heartfelt condolences to family and friends. May God give them the strength to bear this tragic loss https://t.co/CUBUP6pQPp— Ajay Kumar (@drajaykumar_ias) December 8, 2021
General MM Naravane #COAS & All Ranks of #IndianArmy pay heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat #CDS, Mrs Madhulika Rawat & 11 other passengers on board, in an unfortunate air crash at #Coonoor. (1/n) pic.twitter.com/sc6bmFodXJ
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 8, 2021
Adm R Hari Kumar #CNS and all personnel of Indian Navy extend heartfelt condolences to the families on the untimely demise of Gen Bipin Rawat #CDS, Smt Madhulika Rawat and other Armed Forces personnel, in the unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu (1/2).
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 8, 2021
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari & all personnel of IAF express their deepest condolences on the untimely passing away of India's first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat & Mrs Madhulika Rawat, along with 11 other Service personnel in an unfortunate helicopter crash today.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021
The passing away of #CDS Gen Bipin Rawat ji in a tragic chopper accident is a monumental loss to the country. DESW has lost a friend, philosopher and guide. We worked closely with Gen Rawat Ji planning for the successful conduct of the ensuing Veteran’s Day.@DefenceMinIndia
— Secretary ESW (@secyesw) December 8, 2021
DRDO pays homage to General Bipin Rawat, the nation’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), his wife and 11 armed forces personnel. Untimely demise of General Rawat has left a deep void and is a major loss to the nation.
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) December 8, 2021
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences.
I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife.
This is an unprecedented tragedy and our thoughts are with their family in this difficult time.
Heartfelt condolences also to all others who lost their lives.India stands united in this grief.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021
Messages came from around the world. From Israel…
My thoughts & prayers are with the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in India.
May their souls rest in peace.General Bipin Rawat was a true leader & true friend of Israel.
Much strength to @narendramodi & the Indian people at this difficult time.
— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) December 8, 2021
I was deeply saddened to learn about the deadly helicopter crash that killed India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others in Tamil Nadu.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. May they rest in peace. 🇮🇱🙏🇮🇳
— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) December 8, 2021
General Rawat was a true partner of the IDF and Israel's defense establishment, and contributed greatly to the strengthening of security relations between the two countries. He was expected to visit Israel soon. May his memory and the memory of all the lives lost be a blessing.
— בני גנץ – Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) December 8, 2021
On behalf of the people of Israel, I extend my deepest condolences to the people and government of India on the loss of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and the 11 other military personnel lost in today's tragic accident.
— יאיר לפיד – Yair Lapid🟠 (@yairlapid) December 8, 2021
We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India following today’s tragic helicopter crash, which resulted in the death of the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, General Bipin Rawat.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 8, 2021
We would like to express our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat and the victims who died in the chopper crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor. We stand with the Indian people at this difficult hour. Om Shanti
— Israel in India (@IsraelinIndia) December 8, 2021
I am deeply shocked & saddened by the tragic death of CDS Gen. #Bipin_Rawat, his wife, and 11 army personnel who were killed in the tragic chopper crash.
The people of Israel stand side by side with the Indian people & government in mourning the death of Indian heroes.
Om Shanti https://t.co/Y9BtyFFpcE— Naor Gilon (@NaorGilon) December 8, 2021
Devastating news. Sending my personal, heartfelt condolences to the families of CDS, General #BipinRawat and Mrs.Rawat and to the families of the officials onboard. Condolences #India! @rajnathsingh @adgpi @IAF_MCC Om Shanti. https://t.co/aDzBRrsIOq
— Daniel Carmon🇮🇱 (@danielocarmon) December 8, 2021
Nepal…
Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and several defence officials in a helicopter crash. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & the Indian Armed Forces.
— Sher Bahadur Deuba (@SherBDeuba) December 8, 2021
COAS Gen Prabhu Ram Sharma and all ranks of the Nepali Army pay their deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Rawat and 11 others in the unfortunate accident.#Condolences
— NASpokesperson (@NaSpokesperson) December 8, 2021
Sri Lanka…
Deeply saddened to hear of the sudden demise of General #BipinRawat, Mrs Rawat & others in the tragic helicopter accident in Tamil Nadu. I extend my condolences to the families & to all Indians on behalf of the people of #SriLanka.
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) December 8, 2021
The Commander of the @airforcelk and all members of the SLAF are deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat & all others on board. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families, the @IndianAirforce and all friends in India.@IndiainSL
— Sri Lanka Air Force (@airforcelk) December 8, 2021
The Maldives…
Saddened to hear of the tragic passing of #India's Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat. I had the honor of meeting him in 2019 – a true soldier who put service to his nation above all else.
My condolences to his family and the Indian nation for their loss. @HCIMaldives pic.twitter.com/cCfU9Vt9el
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) December 8, 2021
The U.S…
I had the pleasure of meeting Gen Rawat earlier this year and I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy. My prayers are with the Rawat family and those of the other victims. https://t.co/93QZcSEMy4
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) December 8, 2021
My deep condolences on the deaths of Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Rawat, his wife, and colleagues who perished in today’s tragic accident. We'll remember Gen. Rawat as an exceptional leader who served his country and contributed to the U.S.-India defense relationship. https://t.co/yjLv9R05on
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 8, 2021
We extend our deepest condolences on the passing of General Rawat, his wife, and eleven others from today’s tragic accident. General Milley is honored to have known General Rawat as a friend from their time as Chiefs of their Army staffs to the present-day. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Qw4kZCIzL2
— The Joint Staff 🇺🇸 (@thejointstaff) December 8, 2021
We remember General Rawat’s professionalism and dedication to India and the Indian Army. Our hearts go out to his family, colleagues, and the people of India mourning the lives lost from today’s tragic helicopter crash. https://t.co/ujVKbmdEXy
— Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) December 8, 2021
On behalf of the @USArmy, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of General Rawat, his wife Madhulika, & the 11 other victims of the helicopter crash today. Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat was a decisive leader and a valued U.S. partner. pic.twitter.com/r0jY0RVXcR
— SecArmy (@SecArmy) December 8, 2021
The U.S. Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the Rawat family and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 8, 2021
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen wrote “On behalf of the Government of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I convey our deepest condolences to you and through you to the bereaved family members of General Rawat and other deceased, and the people of India.”
Bhutan…
Deeply saddened on the tragic loss of lives including the Chief of Defense Staff Gen.Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel today. A huge loss to India and the military.
Our heartfelt prayers for the victims & their families @DrSJaishankar @RuchiraKamboj @MEA— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) December 8, 2021
The Czech Republic…
Deeply saddened by the news about a helicopter crash which killed CDS Rawat, his wife and other IA officials. My heartfelt condolences to gen. Rawat’s family and to all the lives lost, om shanti 🙏 🇨🇿🇮🇳 @IndiainCzechia @adgpi @IAF_MCC
— Jakub Kulhanek (@JakubKulhanek) December 8, 2021
Pakistan…
General Nadeem Raza, CJCSC & General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS express condolences on tragic death of #CDS General #BipinRawat, his wife and loss of precious lives in a helicopter crash in India
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 8, 2021
CNS Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi express condolences on tragic death of #CDS General #BipinRawat, his wife and loss of precious lives in a helicopter crash in India.
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) December 8, 2021
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI(M) Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force; has expressed his condolences on the tragic death of Indian CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his spouse, and 11 other passengers/crew members in the helicopter crash today.
— DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) December 8, 2021
Envoys from countries around the world, too, expressed condolences.
Russia has lost a very close friend, who played a big role in promotion of our bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership. Grieving together with India. Goodbye, friend! Farewell, commander! https://t.co/ywpXHHYYJC
— Nikolay Kudashev 🇷🇺 (@NKudashev) December 8, 2021
Tragic news. Gen Rawat was a wise man, a brave soldier, a pioneer & a generous host to me only weeks ago. We mourn his death and that of his wife, and all killed in this terrible accident.
— Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) December 8, 2021
Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and several defence officials in a crash. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & the Indian Armed Forces.
We will remember CDS Rawat as a great military leader & a supporter of 🇫🇷🇮🇳 defence ties. pic.twitter.com/wG00wvidzn— Emmanuel Lenain (@FranceinIndia) December 8, 2021
Deep condolences on the sad demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other victims in the helicopter crash accident. My sympathy goes to all the family members of General Bipin Rawat.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) December 8, 2021
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife and families of armed forces personnel who lost their lives today. https://t.co/1ZwxSqkKmS
— Ugo Astuto (@EUAmbIndia) December 8, 2021
Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, his wife and 11 Armed Forces personnel in an unfortunate accident at Sulur, Tamil Nadu. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members of the people killed in the accident.
— Satoshi Suzuki (@EOJinIndia) December 8, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends & loved ones of Gen. Bipin Rawat, chief of defense staff, his wife & 11 others who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter crash. Taiwan grieves with India at this difficult time. https://t.co/WZm5P6BraO
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) December 8, 2021
Deep condolences on the sad demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other victims in the helicopter crash accident. My sympathy goes to all the family members of General Bipin Rawat.
— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) December 8, 2021
Deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the helicopter accident involving 🇮🇳 CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife, staff and Air Force crew.
— Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) December 8, 2021
Saddened to learn about today’s helicopter accident. Our sincere condolences to the families and India’s armed forces. https://t.co/3Dn9Yuoj76
— Klas Molin (@SwedensAmbIndia) December 8, 2021
Deepest condolences to the Family of General Bipin Rawat and the Families of those who died in the tragic crash.
R.I.P.
— Adam Burakowski (@Adam_Burakowski) December 8, 2021
We are extremely shocked& saddened to hear of the great loss of Defence Chief of India, CDS, Gen. Bipin Rawat ji and his wife & 11 defence personnel in the tragic accident today. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with India, the families and loved ones left behind pic.twitter.com/jAwzOptnyh
— Dr. Sasa (@DrSasa22222) December 8, 2021
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