RIP CDS Bipin Rawat: Five highlights from his decorated military career

India’s highest-ranking military official General Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash when the IAF Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Coonoor in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. In the mishap, Rawat along with his wife and 11 others were killed. The loss of Rawat comes at a particularly strained moment, as India’s military finds itself stretched by threats on two of its borders as well as the impact of a slowing economy. While the nation mourns his demise, we take a look at five peak points in CDS Bipin Rawat's 43 years of illustrious military service.

General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), had a decorated military career spanning 43 years that saw him gradually rise and achieve premier positions in the Indian Army. At one point, he played the role of advisor to the government on matters related to the military. He had successfully superseded two senior officers to become the 27th Chief of the Army Staff in 2016. In 2019, he rose to become India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Credit: PTI Photo

Rawat played a key role in planning and executing the 2016 surgical strikes. In the operation under his supervision, Indian Army entered Pakistan's Balakot to demolish Jaish-e-Mohammad terror training camp. Reportedly, he was monitoring the operation live from South Block in New Delhi. His strategies helped army in reducing militancy in Northeast India. Credit: PTI Photo

During his 43 years of service, General Rawat has been lauded with many honour, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal and Sena Medal. Credit: PTI Photo

An alumnus of National Defence Academy and the St Edward School in Shimla, Rawat was commissioned in the Fifth Battalion of the Eleven Gorkha Rifles from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun in December 1978. General Rawat was also felicitated with the prestigious

General Rawal served in difficult terrains including the Northern and Eastern commands during his service and was a grandmaster in counterinsurgency and high-altitude warfare. Apart from serving on top posts in India Army, General Rawat was also part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force and had also commanded a Multinational Brigade in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he was twice awarded the Force Commander's Commendation. Credit: PTI Photo