The Central government has issued a gazette notification listing gallantry award citations for defence personnel of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, recognising acts of extraordinary courage during various operations, including the recently concluded Operation Sindoor.
President Droupadi Murmu had earlier approved 127 Gallantry awards and 40 Distinguished Service awards for personnel of the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces. The awards include four Kirti Chakras, fifteen Vir Chakras, sixteen Shaurya Chakras, two Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry), fifty-eight Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), twenty-six Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, nine Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and twenty-four Yudh Seva Medals.
Additionally, 290 personnel received Mention-in-Despatches, comprising 115 from the Indian Army, five from the Indian Navy, 167 from the Indian Air Force, and three from the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB).
Among the Vir Chakra recipients, Colonel Koshank Lamba of the 302 Medium Regiment was recognised for conducting the first-ever short-notice air mobilisation of a specialised equipment battery. His leadership ensured the timely induction of inter-command personnel under complete secrecy, demonstrating operational agility and the Indian Army’s martial ethos.
Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht of the 1988 (Independent) Medium Battery also received the Vir Chakra for his role as Officer Commanding during a counter-terror operation. He led his unit with operational precision and courage, successfully neutralising terrorist camps.
From the Indian Air Force, several officers were honoured for exceptional mission performance. Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu was awarded the Vir Chakra for commanding his squadron on strike missions targeting pre-selected locations, executing operational tasks with precision. Group Captain Animesh Patni, leading a strategic Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) squadron from a forward airbase, demonstrated outstanding leadership, causing significant damage to enemy positions without losses to his own resources.
Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik was recognised for serving as deputy mission commander on a high-risk midnight mission, penetrating heavily defended enemy airspace to neutralise fortified targets. The mission demanded low-level tactical flying and precise weapon deployment under extreme threat conditions. Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh received the award for his role in a three-aircraft formation executing a stand-off precision attack in a heavily defended airspace, requiring exceptional flying skills and coordination with combined air defence systems.
The gazette notification highlights the initiative, leadership, and operational proficiency of the awardees, underscoring the commitment of India’s Armed Forces to national security and operational readiness. The awards also reflect the rigorous training, discipline, and professionalism required to conduct complex military operations with minimal risk to personnel while achieving strategic objectives.
Operation Sindoor, cited in several of these awards, involved coordinated actions across army and air force units, demonstrating inter-service operational synergy. The recognition of officers for gallantry and distinguished service reaffirms the nation’s appreciation of acts of bravery and the critical role of defence personnel in safeguarding India’s territorial integrity.
These honours, effective immediately, serve both as a tribute to individual courage and as a reminder of the Armed Forces’ continued vigilance and dedication in addressing diverse security challenges.
