Condolences pour in from around the world over General Bipin Rawat's death

 Condolences pour in from around the world over General Bipin Rawat's death

Condolences over the demise of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat poured in on Wednesday from several countries, including the US, Russia, Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 other people on board an Indian Air Force helicopter died in a crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, the Air Force said.

As India's first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the Indian military, the US mission said in a statement.

"In September, he spent five days travelling throughout the US 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 Embassy said. "Our thoughts are with the Indian people and the Indian military, and we pray for Group Captain Varun Singh's full recovery," it said.

British High Commissioner Alex Ellis also condoled Gen Rawat's demise and hailed him as a wise man and brave soldier.

"Tragic news. Gen Rawat was a wise man, a brave soldier, a pioneer and a generous host to me only weeks ago. We mourn his death and that of his wife, and all killed in this terrible accident," Ellis tweeted.

Russian Envoy to India Nikolay Kudashev said with deepest regret, he learnt about the sudden demise of Gen Bipin Rawat, Madhulika Rawat and other officers in the crash.

India has lost its great patriot and dedicated hero, Kudashev said.

"Russia has lost a very close friend, who played a big role in promotion of our bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership. Grieving together with India. Goodbye, friend! Farewell, commander!" he tweeted.

Early life and education

Bipin Rawat was born on 16 March 1958 in Pauri town of Pauri Garhwal district of modern Uttarakhand state. His family had been serving in the Indian Army for several generations. His father Laxman Singh Rawat (1930–2015) was from Sainj village in Pauri Garhwal district; Commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1951, he retired as the Chief of the Army Staff in 1988 as a lieutenant-general. His mother was from Uttarkashi district and was the daughter of Kishan Singh Parmar, former MLA (MLA) of Uttarkashi.

Rawat attended Cambrian Hall School in Dehradun and St Edward's School in Shimla. He then joined the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, from where he graduated first in order of merit and was awarded the 'Sword of Honour'.

Rawat also graduated from the Higher Command Course at Defense Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington and United States Army Command and General Staff College (USACGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1997. From his stint at DSSC, he obtained an MPhil degree in Defense Studies as well as a Diploma in Management and Computer Studies from the University of Madras. In 2011, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by CCS University, Meerut for his research on Military-Media Strategic Studies.