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General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, was a strong supporter of the India-US defence relationship and helped develop the strategic partnership between the two nations, according to a senior US official. He perished in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
The Indian Air Force said General Rawat, his wife Madhulika, and 11 other persons on board a helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.
According to the IAF and other sources, the helicopter carrying General Rawat and his party crashed in apparent fog, killing all 13 people on board. One person was injured in the crash and is currently being treated in a hospital.
“We are profoundly grieved to learn of the unfortunate helicopter crash in India today that killed Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 others. “General Rawat was a valuable partner,” says the author. U.S. Department of State
Ned Price, a spokesman for the White House, stated at his daily press conference on Wednesday.
“He was a strong supporter of the US-India defence alliance. He aided in the strengthening of our strategic cooperation. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the general’s family, the families of all those on board this flight, and, of course, the people of India on the loss they have suffered today,” Price added.
At a separate press conference, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby expressed condolences to the Rawat family, the Indian military, and the Indian people following General Rawat’s terrible death in a helicopter crash on behalf of the entire Department of Defense.
“He left an indelible mark on the US-India military alliance’s trajectory and was at the heart of the Indian Armed Forces’ transformation into a more cooperatively integrated warfighting organisation,” Kirby said.
#WATCH | Our deepest condolences to the Rawat family, the Indian military, and the people of India after the tragic death of Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash… and the families of the other victims of the crash: Pentagon Press Secy John Kirby pic.twitter.com/GdIMchQAfh
— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2021
‘Earlier this year, the secretary had the pleasure of meeting with him and came to regard him as a valuable partner and friend to the US.’ “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rawat family, as they have lost other family members in this crash, as well as the families of all the other victims of this awful, terrible incident,” he told reporters.
The death of the Indian general in a terrible occurrence drew the condolences of some leading American senators.
Senator Rick Scott expressed his condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian people as they grieve the awful deaths of General Bipin Rawat, his wife, Madhulika Rawat, and the 11 other crew members and passengers.
“India is strong,” he said, “and the United States stands by you through this difficult time.”
“My heartfelt sympathies to India’s people following the awful deaths of General Bipin Rawat, India’s armed forces chief, his wife, and 12 others today.” Senator Bill Hagerty tweeted, “My thoughts and prayers go out to their families.”
“My heartfelt condolences to India’s citizens and armed services for the lives lost in today’s unfortunate aviation accident. In a tweet, Congressman Michael McCaul said, “I will continue to do everything I can to assist our cooperation develop into an enduring force for overcoming current and future adversities.”
In a tweet, Congressman Mark Green wrote, “Please join me in praying for India today after this devastating loss.”
General Rawat leaves behind two daughters.
