Full form of Bipin Rawat - Chief of Defence staff (CDS). General Bipin Rawat is a retired four-star General of the Indian Army who served as the 27th Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army from 2016 to 2019, and as the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India from 2019 until his untimely demise in a helicopter crash on December 8, 2021. As the CDS, Rawat was the principal military advisor to the Government of India and the head of the newly created Department of Military Affairs.
He played a key role in implementing significant reforms in the Indian military and enhancing India's defence preparedness. General Rawat was known for his firm leadership style and strategic vision for the country's defence.
Rawat was born into a military family, with his father being a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army. His father's frequent postings in the Army caused him to grow up in several cities across India. Rawat chose to follow in his father's footsteps and joined the 5th Battalion of the 11th Gorkha Rifles in December 1978.
He also served in a variety of command and staff appointments, including serving as the Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade in the Kashmir Valley and as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun.
Lifetime Achievements of General Bipin Rawat
General Bipin Rawat was a highly decorated and respected Indian Army officer. Here are some of his lifetime achievements:
Military Decorations
During his illustrious career, Rawat earned numerous military decorations, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Yudh Seva Medal.
International Peacekeeping Operations
He served as the Force Commander of the UN Mission in South Sudan and was instrumental in conducting peacekeeping operations in the region.
Counter-Terrorism Operations
Rawat played a pivotal role in conducting counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast region of India.
Modernization of the Army
As the Chief of Army Staff, he initiated several reforms and modernization efforts in the Indian Army, including the implementation of the Integrated Battle Group (IBG) concept.
Integration of the Armed Forces
As the CDS, he played a crucial role in integrating the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. He also helped in enhancing jointness in operations.
Defence Diplomacy
General Rawat strengthened India's defence ties with other countries, including the US, Russia, Japan, and several other countries.
Strategic Vision
He gained recognition for his strategic vision and played a critical role in formulating India's military doctrine, which emphasized proactive deterrence and a scenario of a 'two-front war'.
General Bipin Rawat was a respected and influential leader who made significant contributions to India's national security and defence. His lifetime achievements will continue to inspire generations of military personnel in India and beyond.
Operations Held by General Bipin Rawat
During his career, General Bipin Rawat held various operational and administrative roles and oversaw many significant military operations. Some of the notable operations conducted during his tenure include:
Surgical Strike (2016)
After the terrorist attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu, and Kashmir in September 2016, the Indian Army conducted a surgical strike across the Line of Control (LoC) to destroy terrorist launchpads. General Rawat, who was then the Vice Chief of Army Staff, played a key role in planning and executing the operation.
Doklam Standoff (2017)
In 2017, Indian and Chinese troops were involved in a standoff in the Doklam plateau. This is a disputed territory between Bhutan and China. As the Army Chief, Rawat oversaw India's response to the situation, which involved a diplomatic resolution and withdrawal of troops.
Balakot Strike (2019)
In February 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted a strike on a terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. This was in response to the Pulwama attack in which 40 Indian soldiers were killed. As the Army Chief, Rawat played a key role in coordinating the operation with the Air Force and providing support to ensure its success.
Operation All Out (2017-2019)
Under Rawat's leadership, the Indian Army intensified its counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir under the banner of "Operation All Out." The operation involved a coordinated effort to eliminate terrorists and their infrastructure. This also leads to a significant reduction in terrorist activities in the region.
Operation Maitri (2015)
As the Southern Army Commander, Rawat oversaw India's relief efforts in Nepal after a devastating earthquake hit the country in April 2015. The operation involved the deployment of Indian Army personnel and resources to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
These are just a few of the operations that General Rawat oversaw during his distinguished career. His leadership and strategic vision played a crucial role in enhancing India's military capabilities and strengthening its position in the region.
Throughout his distinguished military career, General Bipin Rawat has been awarded numerous honours. Some of them are the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Yudh Seva Medal.
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