New Delhi: On the eve of the 79th Independence Day, India on Thursday honoured the gallantry of its armed forces personnel and recognised the key role of senior military officials in planning and executing Operation Sindoor in its annual list of military awards.
Indian Air Force pilots involved in strikes on terror infrastructure and military targets in Pakistan, along with those operating the S-400 air defence systems during the May 7–10 hostilities, were among the recipients of these prestigious awards.
Top military officers conferred the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal include:
- Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of the Air Staff
- Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, Deputy Chief of Air Staff
- Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, DGMO, Indian Army
- Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Northern Army Commander
Additionally, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor and Air Marshal Jeetendra Misra, heads of the South Western and Western Air Commands respectively, also received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal.
In the Navy, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, former Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, recognised for his critical role in naval deployments after the Pahalgam attack, was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, who contributed to finalising the Navy’s post-attack deployment strategy, received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.
Nine Indian Air Force fighter pilots were also conferred the Vayu Sena Medal for exceptional bravery.
On the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu approved a total of 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards for personnel of the armed forces and central armed police forces.
The gallantry awards included:
- 4 Kirti Chakras
- 15 Vir Chakras
- 16 Shaurya Chakras
- 2 Bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 6 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)
The service awards included:
- 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals
- 9 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals
- 24 Yudh Seva Medals
In addition, the President approved 290 Mention-in-Despatches, comprising 115 from the Indian Army, 5 from the Indian Navy, and 167 from the Indian Air Force.
