India's Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, his wife killed in helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu

"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," Rajnath Singh tweeted.

"His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our Armed Forces and the country," Singh wrote on Twitter.

Confirming the development, Indian Air Force tweeted: "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."

"Group Captain Varun Singh SC, Directing Staff at DSSC with injuries is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington," the IAF tweeted.

Meanwhile, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said he was 'anguished' by the death of the CDS.

The official Twitter handle of the President wrote: "I am shocked and anguished over the untimely demise of Gen. Bipin Rawat and his wife, Madhulika ji. The nation has lost one of its bravest sons. His four decades of selfless service to the motherland was marked by exceptional gallantry and heroism. My condolences to his family."

"It’s deeply painful for me to learn of the loss of lives in the chopper crash. I join the fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," the Indian President said.

IndianPM Narendra Modi said, "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."

The incident occurred near an army training camp at the Wellington Army Centre in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor on Wednesday afternoon.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also condoled the death of the CDS and tweeted: "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."

He said: "I also express my deepest condolences on the sad demise of Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other Armed Forces personnel. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May God give them the strength to bear this tragic loss.Praying for the speedy recovery of Gp Capt Varun Singh."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari posted: "India will always remain grateful to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat for his impeccable service to the nation at the most crucial moments."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "I extend my condolences to the family of Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife. This is an unprecedented tragedy and our thoughts are with their family in this difficult time. Heartfelt condolences also to all others who lost their lives.India stands united in this grief."

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