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Bipin Rawat

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Bipin Rawat was a highly distinguished military leader in India.

General Bipin Rawat, India's 1st Chief of Defence Staff
General Bipin Rawat, India's 1st Chief of Defence Staff

He rose to become a four-star general in the Indian Army. Most notably, he served as the very first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for the Indian Armed Forces. This new position was created to improve coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He held this role from January 2020 until his death in a helicopter crash in December 2021. Before becoming the CDS, he held several other top leadership positions. He was the 27th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and the 57th Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).

Rank insignia for India CDS
Rank insignia for India CDS

Rawat's military journey began with a strong family tradition of service. He was born on March 16, 1958, in Pauri, Uttarakhand. His father, Lakshman Singh Rawat, was a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army. Bipin attended the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. He graduated at the top of his class and received the Sword of Honour. This is a prestigious award given to the best cadet. He was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles, which was the same unit his father had served in.

11th Gorkha rifles Insignia (India)
11th Gorkha rifles Insignia (India)

Throughout his career, Rawat gained experience in many different types of warfare. He spent ten years conducting counter-insurgency operations, which involve managing internal security conflicts. He also became an expert in high-altitude warfare. During the 1987 Sino-Indian skirmish in the Sumdorong Chu valley, his battalion was deployed against the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Later, as a Colonel, he commanded the 5th battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh. These experiences shaped his understanding of border security and complex military environments.

Rawat also served on the international stage with the United Nations.

Emblem of the United Nations
Emblem of the United Nations

He commanded a Multinational Brigade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of MONUSCO. This was a difficult mission where his brigade faced a major offensive in the east. His unit was responsible for over 7,000 men and women. Rawat worked to protect vulnerable populations and coordinate with the local Congolese Army. His leadership helped stabilize the region and encouraged armed groups to join peace negotiations. For this work, he received the Force Commander's Commendation twice.

As he rose to the rank of General officer, Rawat took on even larger commands. He commanded the 19th Infantry Division, also known as the Dagger Division, in Uri. In 2014, he became a Lieutenant General and commanded the III Corps in Dimapur. During this time, his units carried out cross-border strikes into Myanmar in 2015. He was later promoted to Army Commander grade and led the Southern Command. In December 2016, the Indian government appointed him the 27th Chief of the Army Staff. This appointment was notable because he succeeded two more senior generals.

Bipin Rawat VCOAS
Bipin Rawat VCOAS

During his time as Chief of the Army Staff, Rawat managed several significant national security challenges. In 2017, a 73-day military standoff occurred at Doklam. This happened between the Indian Armed Forces and the People's Liberation Army of China near the borders of Bhutan and India. Rawat also spoke frequently about the concept of a "two-front war." He warned that India must remain prepared for simultaneous challenges from both China and Pakistan. He believed the military had to stay alert to these evolving regional dynamics.

Rawat's career was marked by many honors and professional recognitions. He received several medals, including the Vishisht Seva Medal, the Sena Medal, and the Yudh Seva Medal.

Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon
Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon

In 2019, he was inducted into the United States Army Command and General Staff College International Hall of Fame. He was also named an honorary General of the Nepalese Army. This honor reflects the close military ties between India and Nepal. His life was defined by a steady climb through the ranks of one of the world's largest militaries.

Bipin Rawat Baton
Bipin Rawat Baton
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🖼️ Images & Media (29)
File:General Bipin Rawat, India's 1st Chief of Defence Staff.jpg
General Bipin Rawat, India's 1st Chief of...
File:Rank insignia for India CDS.svg
Rank insignia for India CDS.svg
File:11th Gorkha rifles Insignia (India).svg
11th Gorkha rifles Insignia (India).svg
File:Southern Command (India).png
Southern Command (India).png
File:Emblem of the United Nations.svg
Emblem of the United Nations.svg
File:Rashtriya Rifles Logo.svg
Rashtriya Rifles Logo.svg
File:Padma Vibhushan Ribbon.svg
Padma Vibhushan Ribbon.svg
File:Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg
Param Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg
File:Uttam Yudh Seva Medal ribbon.svg
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal ribbon.svg
File:Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal ribbon.svg
File:Yudh Seva Medal ribbon.svg
Yudh Seva Medal ribbon.svg
File:Sena Medal ribbon.svg
Sena Medal ribbon.svg

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