New Delhi

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others died when the IAF helicopter carrying them crashed near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on December 8. He was the country's first Chief of Defence Staff.

Many top brass from India and abroad took to their respective twitter handles to pay their condolences.

Pak's DG ISPR and other top officials expressed their grief.

General Nadeem Raza, CJCSC & General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS express condolences on tragic death of #CDS General #BipinRawat, his wife and loss of precious lives in a helicopter crash in India

— Qamar Javed Bajwa Fans 🇵🇰 (@iamCOAS) December 8, 2021

General Nadeem Raza, CJCSC & General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS express condolences on tragic death of #CDS General #BipinRawat, his wife and loss of precious lives in a helicopter crash in India

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) December 8, 2021

Off-course sir, it's the decent thing to do as a soldier.
Again, sorry for your loss sir.

Major Adil Raja of Pakistan went one step ahead when he expressed his grief through a Punjabi idiom.

In our Punjabi folklore they say, "dushman maray te khushian na manawoo, kadday sajna v mar jaana"

Means: "Don't celebrate the deaths of your enemies as some day friends would also die".

— Major Adil Raja (R) (@soldierspeaks) December 8, 2021

In India Anupam Kher updated his profile pic with Late General and expressed heartfelt grief.

CDS #GenBipinRawat, उनकी धर्मपत्नी एवं 11 और फ़ौजी ऑफ़िसर्स के निधन का सुनकर अत्यंत दुख हुआ।#जनरलरावत से मिलने का सौभाग्य कई बार मिला।उनके व्यक्तित्व में ग़ज़ब का दुस्साहस और देश के प्रति अथाह प्रेम था।उनसे हाथ मिलाकर दिल और ज़ुबान से ख़ुदबख़ुद “जय हिन्द” निकलता था! #जयहिन्द 🇮🇳💔 pic.twitter.com/AWgf7SYs0Z

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) December 8, 2021

From Nepal, the PM Deuba expressed grief while Antony Blinken from US expressed their grief.

Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife, and several defence officials in a helicopter crash. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & the Indian Armed Forces.

— Sher Bahadur Deuba (@SherBDeuba) December 8, 2021

My deep condolences on the deaths of Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Rawat, his wife, and colleagues who perished in today’s tragic accident. We'll remember Gen. Rawat as an exceptional leader who served his country and contributed to the U.S.-India defense relationship. https://t.co/yjLv9R05on

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 8, 2021

Israel PM Natfali Bennet also expressed heartfelt grief on India's loss.

My thoughts & prayers are with the families of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in India.
May their souls rest in peace.

General Bipin Rawat was a true leader & true friend of Israel.

Much strength to @narendramodi & the Indian people at this difficult time.

— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) December 8, 2021