At 06.03 pm on Wednesday, December 8, the Indian Air Force confirmed that Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat was among those who died when the helicopter that he was travelling in crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris district at 12:20 pm. Thirteen of the 14 people aboard the MI series helicopter, including General Rawat’s wife Madhulika, were killed in the crash.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Rawat an “outstanding soldier and a true patriot”. He added that the general had “greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus", further expressing his sadness at Rawat’s passing.
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
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences and tweeted: “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.”
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country.
He also added that “General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence.”
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.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021
Union Home Minister, Amit Shah said, “A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion”, adding that he was “deeply pained” at the tragedy.
A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions & commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 8, 2021
Wayanad MP for INC and ex-party chief 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.” he said on Twitter.
I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 8, 2021
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.
Many other leaders took to Twitter to extend their condolences to the family of General Bipin Rawat
Deeply shocked and saddened by the news that Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat did not survive the helicopter crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Om Shanthi. #BipinRawat https://t.co/9pnNl3i9pb
— Dr Sudhakar K (@mla_sudhakar) December 8, 2021
Deeply shocked at tragic demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat and his wife.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 8, 2021
We worked closely together in the last few years. It is a huge loss to the nation.
All of India mourns the tragic loss of life that occurred today & the passing of India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Rawat, his wife and 11 men in uniform. The crash must &will be investigated, but today is a day for prayer. We salute the departed &mourn w/their loved ones. https://t.co/HQ4orm341j
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 8, 2021
The unfortunate crash has truly left all of us saddened beyond words.
— Basavaraj S Bommai (@BSBommai) December 8, 2021
On behalf of all of Karnataka, my condolences to the family of our CDS #BipinRawat and Madhulika Rawat and all the officers on board that ill-fated chopper. https://t.co/eqMLgyPhB6
Deepest condolences on the untimely passing of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, Army officials who accompanied them and crew of the IAF helicopter involved in the unfortunate accident. Kerala joins the nation in sharing the grief of their near and dear ones. pic.twitter.com/fiD388xoxp
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) December 8, 2021
I join the nation in mourning the death of Gen Bipin Rawat Ji, Mrs Madhulika Rawat Ji and 11 other persons on board who have died in the tragic Mi-17 helicopter crash today. Gen Rawat Ji's demise is a huge loss to our Armed Forces. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) December 8, 2021