New Delhi

India's first Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat was killed in an IAF Mi-17V5 crash along with his wife and 11 others on Wednesday in Tamil Nadu.

 The Indian Air Force took to twitter to confirm the sudden demise of the CDS General Rawat and his wife.

A total of 14 people were on board the helicopter. "It is now learned with deep regret that General Bipin Rawat, Smt. Madhulika Rawat and 11 others aboard have died in this unfortunate accident," the Air Force said in its tweet.

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.

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) December 8, 2021

According to the Air Force, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat was on a visit to the Defense Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) today to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course.

Capt Varun Singh SC, GP in DSSC, Directing Staff, is presently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington with injuries.

India's defense minister Rajnath Singh took to twitter to pay his condolences.

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.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 8, 2021

PM Modi, Amit Shah have also expressed their sorrow on the unexpected demise.

Gen Bipin Rawat was an outstanding soldier. A true patriot, he greatly contributed to modernising our armed forces and security apparatus. His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/YOuQvFT7Et

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 8, 2021

A very sad day for the nation as we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji in a very tragic accident. He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions & commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 8, 2021

PM also said, “ As India’s first CDS, Gen Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service.”