The Indian Air Force has announced India’s top military commander has been killed in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
India’s top military commander has been killed in a helicopter crash after the aircraft came down near Coonoor city.
The nation’s Chief of Defence, his wife and 11 others all died, with one survivor being treated for injures in hospital.
Gen Bipin Rawat was appointed as India’s first-ever Chief of Defence in January 2019 with the appointment bringing together the Army, Navy and the Air Force.
Rawat had been in charge of a range of operations in the Indian-administered Kashmir region.
India’s Air Force has ordered an investigation into the incident with a cabinet security committee holding an emergency session.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says on Twitter “General Rawat brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army and India will never forget his exceptional service”.
