New Delhi: The Central government has issued a gazette notification listing the official citations of gallantry awardees whose names were announced on Independence Day, August 15 this year.
These awards were conferred for exceptional acts of bravery during counter-terrorism operations across the country and Operation Sindoor — the high-intensity conflict with Pakistan launched after the May 7 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), while Indian forces effectively countered Pakistani aggression and struck key enemy airbases.
Among the decorated personnel who displayed remarkable courage and leadership during the operation are:
Colonel Koshank Lamba, 302 Medium Regiment — Vir Chakra
Colonel Koshank Lamba displayed exemplary leadership and precision in executing the first-ever air mobilisation of a specialised equipment battery on short notice, ensuring the success of Operation Sindoor with complete secrecy. Leveraging his technical expertise and tactical acumen, he transformed his subunit into a mission-ready force within five days.
Leading from the front under heavy enemy fire, Colonel Lamba coordinated precision strikes on vital terrorist infrastructure and continued to move between gun positions to motivate his troops. His leadership and courage led to the destruction of multiple terrorist camps and the neutralisation of several militants.
Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, 1988 (Independent) Medium Battery — Vir Chakra
Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, as the commanding officer, demonstrated outstanding bravery, operational skill, and leadership. Through meticulous planning using satellite imagery and rigorous rehearsals, he ensured tactical surprise and precision in targeting terrorist camps.
He personally led night operations under threat of enemy bombardment, ensuring the complete destruction of targets and safe withdrawal of his troops. His courage and calm under fire earned him the Vir Chakra.
Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu (Pilot) — Vir Chakra
Commanding a fighter squadron during Operation Sindoor, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu led multiple deep-penetration strike missions over heavily defended enemy targets, achieving decisive outcomes.
Operating from three separate bases in the Western sector, he displayed exceptional gallantry, tactical brilliance, and composure under fire. His leadership ensured mission success and the survivability of allied forces under his squadron’s air defence cover.
Beyond his own combat role, he motivated his squadron to maintain high combat readiness and morale, contributing significantly to the IAF’s offensive posture during the conflict.
Group Captain Animesh Patni (Pilot) — Vir Chakra
Stationed at a forward airbase, Group Captain Animesh Patni commanded a strategic Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) squadron that played a pivotal role in defending Indian skies. Under his command, the unit engaged multiple enemy aerial targets, dynamically repositioned to deceive adversaries, and inflicted significant damage on opposing forces without suffering losses.
His innovative tactics, meticulous planning, and exceptional control over large-scale surveillance operations ensured mission success. His leadership also led to the apprehension of a suspected enemy intelligence operative near the squadron’s operational base.
Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik (Pilot) — Vir Chakra
Flying as deputy mission leader during a high-risk midnight strike, Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik penetrated heavily fortified enemy airspace to neutralise predesignated targets protected by advanced air defence systems.
Despite multiple missile launches against him, he destroyed two critical targets with precision and calm under pressure. His tactical adaptability and fearless flying in extreme combat conditions disrupted enemy defences and ensured mission success.
Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh (Pilot) — Vir Chakra
As part of a three-aircraft formation assigned a stand-off precision strike mission, Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh displayed exceptional flying skills and composure under threat. Operating in an airspace saturated with advanced surface-to-air and air-to-air threats, he executed a low-level penetration and delivered precision strikes on enemy assets.
Despite intense electronic and missile threats, he ensured the destruction of designated targets through exceptional situational awareness and airmanship, earning the Vir Chakra for his gallantry and professionalism.
Operation Sindoor underscored the unwavering courage and tactical excellence of India’s armed forces, who displayed exemplary coordination across air and ground operations to neutralise terrorist threats and safeguard national security.
