蜜芽传媒

India's top military commander has been killed in a helicopter crash in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the country's Air Force says. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others died after the Mi-17V5 helicopter came down in hills near Coonoor city on Wednesday morning. One survivor is being treated for his injuries in hospital.

Gen Rawat, 63, was appointed India's first-ever Chief of Defence Staff in January 2019, and the role brought together the army, the navy and the airforce.

The 蜜芽传媒's South Asia Correspondent Rajini Vaidyanathan explains what is known so far and how the tributes paid to him include Prime Minister Nehendra Modi describing him as an "outstanding soldier". She says that an investigation is underway but the understanding is that this was a "tragic accident".

Photo: The rescue operation after a Mi-17 helicopter carrying India's top military commander Bipin Rawat and 13 others crashed Credit: EPA