The remains of Chief of Defence Staff CDS General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and other personnel, who died in a chopper crash in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, reached Palam Airbase in Delhi at around 8: 00 pm on Thursday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other ministers are expected to pay respects to Gen Rawat and other Armed Forces personnel at Palam Airbase around 9: 00 pm. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and three Services chiefs will also be present.
Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar will pay tributes to the deceased.
Some of the family members of the deceased will also be present on the occasion.
CDS Gen Rawat died on Wednesday when a Mi 17 V 5 helicopter crashed near Coonoor of Tamil Nadu. The General and his wife were on their way to Wellington from Sulur Airbase when the crash happened.
The remains of three of the victims have been positively identified. These include - CDS Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat, and Brig LS Lidder. Their bodies will be handled over their next of kin for final religious rites as desired by their families.
CDS General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the first tri-service chief with effect December 31, 2019 after the government announced the creation of the CDS post. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of the CDS post in 2019 during his Independence Day speech.