Gen Bipin Rawat, a leader who redefined India’s defence strategy

General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, was an exemplary military leader who played a pivotal role in modernising the armed forces. Born on March 16, 1958, in Pauri, Uttarakhand, General Rawat hailed from a family with a long-standing tradition of military service. His father, Lt Gen Laxman Singh Rawat, served in the Army, inspiring him to pursue a career in the armed forces.

General Rawat was an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour.’ He was commissioned into the 5th Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles in December 1978, the same regiment his father had served. His early years in the Army were marked by dedication and an unwavering commitment to duty.

Over his illustrious career spanning over four decades, General Rawat held a variety of key command, staff and instructional appointments. He was known for his extensive experience in high-altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations, having served in critical areas such as the Line of Control (LoC), China border regions, and the insurgency-hit Northeast.

In December 2016, General Rawat was appointed the 27th Chief of the Army Staff. During his tenure, he focused on restructuring the Army to meet modern security challenges and advocated for indigenisation in defence manufacturing. Under his leadership, the Army successfully conducted operations like ‘Operation All Out’ in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at neutralising terrorist threats.

One of his most significant contributions came in January 2020, when he assumed the newly created role of Chief of Defence Staff. As the first CDS, General Rawat was tasked with integrating the operations of the Army, Navy and Air Force to ensure better coordination and efficiency. He spearheaded initiatives to establish joint commands and streamline defence procurement processes, emphasising a self-reliant defence ecosystem under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission.

General Rawat was a strong advocate for military modernisation and reform. He played a key role in promoting the idea of theatre commands, aiming to enhance operational readiness and synergy among the armed forces. His strategic insights and bold leadership were widely respected both within India and globally.

Tragically, General Rawat's illustrious career was cut short on December 8, 2021, when he, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other personnel lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. His untimely demise was a profound loss to the nation, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership and transformative contributions to India's defence sector.

General Bipin Rawat's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the nation. His contributions to India's military strategy and defence reforms have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of military leaders. He is remembered as a soldier's soldier, a statesman and a patriot who always prioritised the nation's security and sovereignty above all else.