The Indian Army on Wednesday (8 December) said that General Rawat, who along with 12 others died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu, was a "visionary" and his legacy will be carried on and strengthened by the successive generations.

"General MM Naravane and all ranks of the Indian Army express their deepest grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Madhulika Rawat, President DWWA and 11 other military personnel in an unfortunate air accident," the Indian Army said in a statement.

"General Bipin Rawat, India's first CDS, was a visionary who initiated far reaching reforms in the Indian military's higher defence organisation," the statement said.

"He was instrumental in creating the foundation of India's joint theatre commands and giving impetus to the increased indigenisation of military equipment, a legacy which will be carried on and strengthened by successive generations," it added.

The Army said that General Rawat's wife Madhulika, who was also the former President AWWA, was an epitome of grace whose presence will be missed by everyone.

"The deceased 11 military personnel accompanying the CDS and President DWWA on the way to Wellington will also be equally missed by everyone. They performed their duties as per the best traditions of the Armed Forces," it added.