Today: 7 October 2025
9 December 2021
2 mins read

UAE condoles India on death of Gen Rawat, others

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed its profound condolences and sympathy to the Indian government and to the families and relatives of the victims of this great loss…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE on Wednesday expressed condolences and solidarity with the India over the crash of an Air Force helicopter in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India that killed many people, including General Bipin Rawat, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, his family and a number of army officers.

UAE condoles India on death of Gen Rawat, others

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed its profound condolences and sympathy to the Indian government and to the families and relatives of the victims in this great loss.

Gen Rawat was on his way to the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington in Nilgiri Hills to address the faculty and student officers of the staff course.

Around noon, the IAF Mi17V5 helicopter with a crew of four members carrying the CDS and nine others met with the tragic accident near Coonoor.

Out of the 14 people, Group Captain Varun Singh, Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College, is currently undergoing treatment at the Military Hospital in Wellington.

Singh, along with his wife and seven staff, boarded a flight at Delhi for the Sulur IAF base near Coimbatore at 8:47. They landed in Sulur at 11:34 am. From there, they boarded the Mi17V5 helicopter at 11:48. At 12:22 pm, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) lost contact with the chopper, which crashed in a forest area around 7 km from Coonoor.

The IAF said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident, and the report is expected in one month’s time.

The mortal remains of all the deceased will be brought to Delhi today.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep grief over the demise of General Rawat, his wife and other military personnel.

In a series of tweets, President Kovind said, “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 President said in another tweet.

ALSO READ: Adieu General! An Outstanding 43-Year Career

Expressing his grief, Prime Minister Modi said in a series of tweets, “I am deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu in which we have lost Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the armed forces. They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families.”

“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 Prime Minister added.

Previous Story

Vibrant Gujarat Pitches For Global Investments

Next Story

UAE affirms commitment to supporting peacekeeping ops

Latest from -Top News

OCTOBER 7: Stop the Violence Now, Says Guterres

Guterres recalled that “the attackers brutally killed more than 1,250 Israelis and foreign nationals….reports Asian Lite News UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate halt to the violence in Gaza, Israel, and

Piyush Goyal Heads to Doha for Trade Talks

During the visit, both sides are expected to discuss the proposed India–Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA)….reports Asian Lite News Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will travel to Doha, Qatar, on

Hamas Heads to Egypt for Gaza Talks

The negotiation will focus on the details of enacting the first phase of the plan…reports Asian Lite News A delegation from the Palestinian group Hamas arrived in Egypt on Sunday ahead of

Multi-alignment, upgraded

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europe’s harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Indian Rupee Remains Stable, Foreign Reserves at Record High

India’s foreign exchange reserves reached an all-time high of $645.6

Veterinary watchdog seizes antibiotics from India

The VMD said the medicines were seized under Regulation 25,