The US Embassy in India on Wednesday extended its condolences over the demise of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and 12 others in a tragic helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

The US Embassy termed General Bipin Rawat as a "strong friend and partner of the United States".

"As India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat spearheaded a historic period of transformation in the Indian military. He was a strong friend and partner of the United States, overseeing a major expansion of India’s defence cooperation with the U.S. military. In September, he spent five days travelling throughout the United States as part of a counterpart visit with General Mark Milley to discuss military developments and opportunities to enhance our cooperation with like-minded countries. His legacy will continue on," the US Embassy wrote in its condolence message.

"Our thoughts are with the Indian people and the Indian military, and we pray for Group Captain Varun Singh’s full recovery," it added.

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others died in a chopper crash near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday around 12:20 pm.

The Chief of Defence Staff was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course, the Indian Air Force said.

Group Captain Varun Singh, the sole survivor of the IAF chopper crash is currently under treatment at Military Hospital, Wellington, as per the update posted by the Indian Air Force on Twitter.