Dec. 8, 2021
Statement by the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley on the passing Chief of the Indian Defence Force Gen. Bipin Rawat
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of General Bipin Rawat, the Indian Chief of Defence Staff, his wife, and eleven others who died in a tragic helicopter crash. As India’s first chief of defence, he made lasting impact to the Indian military and reinforced our strong military-to-military relationship between the U.S. and India.
Hollyanne and I spent time with Gen. Rawat and his wife, Dr Madhulika Rawat, during their visit to the U.S. in September. We feel this loss deeply, we are thankful to have met them, and we feel grateful for their life of service.”