Operation Sindoor Heroes Honored

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New Delhi, India – The Indian government has awarded gallantry medals to military personnel for their exemplary performance during Operation Sindoor, India’s direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The awards were announced ahead of India’s 79th Independence Day and will be formally presented during the celebrations on August 15.

A total of 127 gallantry medals and 40 distinguished service awards were approved by the President. These include four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, two bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, nine Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 24 Yudh Seva Medals, according to the Defense Ministry.

The Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime honor, was awarded to soldiers and Air Force pilots who demonstrated courage and precision during cross-border operations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Recipients include Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, and several IAF pilots such as Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu and Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar. Posthumous awards were also granted to BSF Sub Inspector Mohd Imteyaz and Constable Deepak Chingakham.

For the first time, two Agniveers were awarded the Sena Medal (Gallantry), signaling the government’s recognition of valor among the newest generation of defense personnel. Other decorations, including Nao Sena Medals, Vayu Sena Medals, Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and Yudh Seva Medals, also honored troops who played critical roles in the operation.

Several awardees are sons of former Indian Air Force chiefs, continuing a legacy of service. Fighter pilots Group Captain Omar Browne and Squadron Leader Mihir Vivek Chaudhari were among the recipients, following in the footsteps of their fathers, Air Chief Marshals NAK Browne (retd) and Vivek Ram Chaudhari (retd).

The awards reflect India’s commitment to recognizing courage, operational excellence, and rapid response capability in the face of threats to national security. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the Indian armed forces’ readiness, precision, and coordination across Army, Air Force, and Navy units, reinforcing the country’s ability to act decisively against terrorism and cross-border aggression.