Mysuru, December 11, 2021: Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 other officers of the Indian Defence forces, who died in a helicopter crash on December 8, 2021, at Coonoor, in Tamil Nadu, is a cruel shock for the country.
CDS Bipin Rawat as the first Chief of Defence Staff had successfully led the Indian forces against the frequent Chinese and Pakistani intrusions into Indian territory. His role in international peacekeeping at several places including Africa is memorable. He has left an indelible mark on the course of the US-India defense partnership, and was instrumental in integrating all three Indian defence forces.
We express our profound grief on the untimely death of CDS Bipin Rawat, Mrs. Madhulika Rawat, and fellow officers. May God give strength to the grieving families and defence staff to bear this huge loss.