President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders across the political spectrum condoled the demise of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and hailed his contribution to the armed forces as well as the country.

Kovind said it was deeply painful for him to learn of the loss of lives in the helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. "I join fellow citizens in paying tributes to each of those who died while performing their duty. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," he tweeted.

While Vice President Naidu said he was deeply shocked by the tragic death of Rawat, his wife, senior officials of the armed forces and others in the helicopter crash in Coonoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is deeply anguished by the helicopter crash in which "we have lost General Bipin Rawat, his wife and other personnel of the armed forces". "They served India with utmost diligence. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," the PM said.

Hailing Rawat as an "outstanding soldier", Modi said he was a "true patriot" who greatly contributed to modernising the armed forces and security apparatus. "His insights and perspectives on strategic matters were exceptional. His passing away has saddened me deeply. Om Shanti," he said in a series of tweets.

"As India's first CDS, General Rawat worked on diverse aspects relating to our armed forces including defence reforms. He brought with him a rich experience of serving in the Army. India will never forget his exceptional service," Modi said.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi too condoled the death of General Rawat, his wife and others in the crash in Tamil Nadu and said it is an unprecedented tragedy. Sonia announced not to celebrate her birthday on Thursday and asked party workers to restrain for any kind of celebrations in the wake of demise of CDS, his wife and members of defence.

Expressing deep anguish over General Rawat's death, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his untimely demise is an irreparable loss to the armed forces and the country. "His untimely death is an irreparable loss to our armed forces and the country," the defence minister said.

Singh said General Rawat had served the country with exceptional courage and diligence. "As the first Chief of Defence Staff he had prepared plans for jointness of our armed forces," he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah said it was "very sad day" for the nation as "we have lost our CDS, General Bipin Rawat Ji" in a very tragic accident. "He was one of the bravest soldiers, who has served the motherland with utmost devotion. His exemplary contributions & commitment cannot be put into words. I am deeply pained," Shah said.

Several politicians, including senior ministers, also condoled the loss of lives in the chopper crash.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said India will always remain grateful to General Rawat for his impeccable service to the nation at the most crucial moments.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers -- veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah -- also condoled the death of Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat.

Omar Abdullah said, "Condolences to the families of General Rawat & the others killed in the helicopter crash earlier today. May their souls rest in peace." Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed shock over the tragic death of General Rawat.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar, Chhatisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, Jharkhand CM Hemant Sorenand other CMs, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, former chief minister Amarinder Singh and former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal too expressed deep anguish over the death of General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others in the helicopter crash.

Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra, former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, former Maharshtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Chhattisgarh Governor Anusuiya Uikey too expressed grief about the death of General Rawat, his wife and 11 others.