The death of Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and his wife in the crash of an Indian Air Force helicopter carrying 14 people comes as a tragic shock. The helicopter took off from Sulur Air Force Station and went down near Coonoor on its way to Wellington, where Rawat was to visit the Defense Services Staff College. He and his wife were among 13 people who lost their lives.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to make a statement in Parliament on the tragedy, though hopes of clarity on what happened will have to wait till the probe is completed. Given Rawat’s stature as India’s first CDS, the position created as part of our recent defense reforms, it is important that all possibilities be examined. In addition to a common chief of the three Indian Armed Forces for land, air and sea warfare, our reforms envisaged a theatre-command structure, where all three would be deployed to intensify our strike capability on every front or field of battle. Wings will have a single commander and increase operational efficiency. Rawat’s role involved overseeing a very significant change in our defense preparedness. The loss we have suffered will be deeply felt.
Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint.
download
Our App Now!!
,