CDS General Bipin Rawat dies in chopper crash: PM Modi says India lost an outstanding soldier

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed anguish over the death of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 other armed forces personnel who died in a IAF chopper crash in Tamil Nadu’s Coonoor.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister wrote that as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to armed forces including defence reforms.

Modi noted that General Rawat brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army and India will never forget his exceptional service.

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Noting that General Rawat’s passing away had saddened him deeply, the Prime Minister said the General greatly contributed to modernising India's armed forces and security apparatus and his insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tributes on twitter, stating that General Rawat’s sudden demise is an irreparable loss for the armed forces and the country.

The mortal remains of General Bipin Rawat and his wife along with other armed forces personnel killed in the chopper crash are expected to arrive in Delhi by Thursday evening.