New Delhi: More tributes poured in from across the world for Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 other army officials who were killed in a chopper crash on Wednesday, with Pakistan, US, China, the UK, Israel, Bangladesh, Nepal, and EU expressing their condolences.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said CDS Gen Bipin Rawat had “left an indelible mark on the course of the U.S.-India defense partnership”, while Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley said General Rawat “reinforced” the strong military-to-military relationship between the U.S. and India, in their tributes.
The Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Army, in a tweet said that the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa have expressed condolences.
“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,” tweeted the spokesperson of the Pakistan Army Major General Babar Iftikhar.
The head of the Pakistan Air Force’s media wing too expressed condolences.
It tweeted: “Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI(M) Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force; has expressed his condolences on the tragic death of Indian CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his spouse, and 11 other passengers/crew members in the helicopter crash today.”
Sun Weidong, the Chinese ambassador in India, in a tweet, expressed deep condolences on the death of Gen Rawat and others in the crash.
“Deep condolences on the sad demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other victims in the helicopter crash accident. My sympathy goes to all the family members of General Bipin Rawat,” he tweeted.
Israeli Prime Minister Bennett described General Rawat as a true leader and a true friend of Israel.
“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,” he tweeted.
Adam Burakowski, the ambassador of Poland, in a tweet, said: “Deepest condolences to the Family of General Bipin Rawat and the Families of those who died in the tragic crash.”
Ugo Astuto, the Ambassador of the European Union to India and Bhutan, in his message said: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and his wife and families of armed forces personnel who lost their lives today.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh expressed shock at the death of the Indian CDS, and said Bangladesh has lost a great friend.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, is deeply shocked to learn the sad demise of General Bipin Rawat and his wife Madhulika Rawat at a tragic helicopter crash. Bangladesh has lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of India and the bereaved family.”
The German Ambassador to India Walter J. Lindner, in a tweet, expressed condolences.
“What tragic news! Our deepest condolences to General Bipin Rawat’s family and all relatives of those who perished in the tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.”
The UK High Commissioner Alex Ellis in a tweet said he had met the CDS two weeks ago: “Tragic news. Gen Rawat was a wise man, a brave soldier, a pioneer & a generous host to me only weeks ago. We mourn his death and that of his wife, and all killed in this terrible accident.”
The New Zealand High Commission in India, in a message, said: “Our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of CDS Gen. Bipin Rawat, his wife, and several defence officials today. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families and the Indian Armed Forces. We will honour CDS Rawat's role in deepening NZ-India defence ties.”
The Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid in a tweet expressed deep condolences.
“Deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, and 12 others, who lost their lives in the fatal helicopter crash near Coonoor, #India.
“Our sincere condolences also, to the Government and people of India.”
Dr. Sasa, the Union Minister of International Cooperation and Spokesperson of the National Unity Government of Myanmar, and Myanmar Special Envoy to the United Nations, in a tweet, expressed condolences.
“We are extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the great loss of Defence Chief of India, CDS, Gen. Bipin Rawat ji and his wife & 11 defence personnel in the tragic accident today. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with India, the families and loved ones left behind.” (UNI)