Outstanding soldier, true patriot: PM Narendra Modi, Uddhav Thackeray mourn the death of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat

Bipin Rawat. File Pic

India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and 11 others were killed when their IAF Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris district on Wednesday, the IAF announced.

"With deep regret, it has now been ascertained that Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board have died in the unfortunate accident," the Indian Air Force said in a tweet.

PM Narendra Modi called CDS General Bipin Rawat a true patriot and said India will never forget his exceptional service.

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray also expressed heartfelt condolences over the demise of CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other officers.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a series of tweets, offered his condolences. He said, "Deeply anguished by the sudden demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other Armed Forces personnel in an extremely unfortunate helicopter accident today in Tamil Nadu. His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences over the loss of lives.

Lok Sabha MP and former Congress President Rahul Gandhi also extended his condolences to the families, who lost their loved ones in this tragedy.

"Shocked and saddened to hear about the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat. He had a highly decorated career and his service in the defence field over the past four decades will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family," tweeted NCP President Sharad Pawar.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, too, paid his condolences.

Lt Gen HS Panag, too, offered his condolence to the families of Gen Rawat and 12 officers.

Veena Naravane, wife of Army chief MM Naravane wrote a heartfelt post on Twitter to express her grief.

With inputs from IANS