US and Russian Embassy expressed condolences over the demise of Gen. Rawat
New Delhi. Expressing deep regret over the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev on Wednesday said Moscow has lost a “very close friend”.
Taking to Twitter, Kudashev said Rawat played a big role in the promotion of India and Russia bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership.
“With the deepest regret learnt about the saddening demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs. Madhulika Rawat & 11 other officers in the helicopter crash. India has lost its great patriot and dedicated hero,” Kudashev tweeted.
“Russia has lost a very close friend, who played a big role in the promotion of our bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership. Grieving together with India. Goodbye, friend! Farewell, commander!” he added.
The US Embassy on Wednesday expressed condolences over the demise of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat.
“The U.S. Embassy extends its deepest condolences to the Rawat family and the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu,” US Embassy and Consulates in India said in a statement.
According to the statement, Rawat was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India’s defence cooperation with the US military.
“As India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the Indian military. He was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India’s defence cooperation with the U.S. military.”
“In September, he spent five days traveling throughout the United States as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on,” the statement added.
The embassy also wished speedy recovery to Group Captain Varun Singh.
“Our thoughts are with the Indian people and the Indian military, and we pray for Group Captain Varun Singh’s full recovery,” it added.
General Bipin Rawat died after a military helicopter crashed in Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. The helicopter crashed around noon shortly after it took off from the Air Force base in Sulur, Coimbatore, for Wellington in the Nilgiri Hills.
The General was heading to the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course on Wednesday.
General Rawat, a veteran of counterinsurgency warfare, served in the most difficult terrains including northern and eastern commands.
CDS Rawat was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1978. He previously served as Chief of the Army Staff from January 2017 to December 2019.
