CDS Bipin Rawat A Visionary Who Initiated Far Reaching Reforms In Military, Says Indian Army

The crash took place shortly after the Russian-made Mi-17 V5 chopper took off from the Army base in Sulur in Coimbatore for the Defence Staff Services College in Wellington.

General Bipin Rawat was India's first Chief of Defence Staff (PTI)

New Delhi: The Army said General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military's higher defence organisation."

General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others died on Wednesday after an Indian Air Force Mi-17V-5 helicopter with 14 people onboard crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor.

Group Captain Varun Singh, Directing Staff at DSSC, and the sole survivor, is undergoing treatment for injuries at the Military Hospital, Wellington.

TIMELINE | Chopper Carrying CDS Bipin Rawat Crashed 5 Minutes Before Destination

"General Bipin Rawat was instrumental in creating the foundation of India's joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations," the Indian Army said.

General Bipin Rawat, 63, took charge as India's first Chief of Defence Staff in January 2019. The position was set up with the aim of integrating the three services - the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

"Madhulika Rawat, also the former President AWWA was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone," the Army said.

"The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces," the statement further said.

The crash took place shortly after the Russian-made Mi-17 V5 chopper took off from the Army base in Sulur in Coimbatore for the Defence Staff Services College in Wellington.

The accident is believed to happened due to low visibility owing to foggy conditions even though the IAF said a Court of Inquiry had been ordered into the incident. TV visuals showed the badly damaged chopper in flames. The mangled and burnt remains of the IAF chopper were strewn along the site.