India’s first Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat has died in a helicopter crash. Twelve others, including his wife Madhulika, were killed when the helicopter crashed. The United States has expressed its condolences over the death of General Bipin Rawat. The United States has said in a statement that the late Rawat had played a key role in strengthening Indo-US defense ties.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of the Indian Chief of Defense Staff, his wife and 11 others when the helicopter crashed,” State Department spokesman Ned Price told a news conference on Wednesday. General Rawat was an important ally. Price said General Rawat was a strong supporter of the Indo-US defense partnership. He was instrumental in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. He was at the center of this relationship. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the General, to the families of those who were on that helicopter, and to the people of India as a whole.
An Air Force helicopter crashed in Kunnur, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, killing General Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 others. A Pentagon press secretary, John Kirby, said in a separate press conference that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressed deep condolences to General Rawat’s family, Indian troops and Indians.
Kirby said General Rawat has made an unforgettable contribution to the Indo-US defense partnership. He played a central role in the transformation of the Indian Armed Forces. Many countries including Russia, China and Pakistan have expressed their condolences over the death of General Rawat. Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong has expressed deep sorrow over the death of General Rawat, his wife and others in a helicopter crash. The British High Commissioner also expressed his condolences over the death of General Rawat. British High Commissioner Alex Ellis said General Rawat was a wise and courageous soldier.