US embassy condoles demise of Indian General Bipin Rawat in chopper crash

In its statement, the US Embassy said: "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."

Rawat along with his wife and 11 others, including his staff and crew members, have died in the Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor, country's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially declared on Wednesday evening.

In order: NK Gursewak Singh, 9 PARA (SF); L/NK Vivek Kumar, 1 PARA (SF); Lt Col Harjinder Singh (SO to CDS); L/NK B. S. Teja, 11 PARA (SF); General Rawat; NK Jitender Kumar, 3 PARA (SF); Brig L. S. Lidder (DA to CDS); Hav Satpal Rai

Fourteen people - five crew and nine passengers - were on board the Mi-17V5 helicopter that went down in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri Hills.

"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 defense 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 US embassy stated.

"Our thoughts are with the Indian people and the Indian military, and we pray for Group Captain Varun Singh’s full recovery," it added.