On the eve of Independence Day 2025, the Government of India honoured Army, Navy, and Air Force officers with Sarvottam Yudh Seva, Yudh Seva, Vayu Sena, and Veer Chakra awards for their exceptional roles in Operation Sindoor.
Overview
The Government of India announced gallantry awards for officers of the Indian Armed Forces who displayed extraordinary bravery and operational excellence during Operation Sindoor, a crucial counter-terrorism mission conducted in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Background: Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba. The mission involved coordinated action by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force:
- Indian Army destroyed nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK.
- Indian Air Force executed precision strikes on targets in Pakistan and PoK.
- Indian Navy provided operational support.
Major Awards Announced
Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM)
- Air Marshal Narnadeshwar Tiwari – Air Staff
- Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra – Western Air Commander
- Air Marshal Awadhesh Bharti – DG Air Operations
- Vice Admiral SJ Singh – Former Western Naval Commander
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM)
- Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti – Deputy Chief of Naval Staff
Yudh Seva Medal (YSM)
- Thirteen IAF officers, including:
- Air Vice Marshal Joseph Suares
- Air Vice Marshal Prajual Singh
- Air Commodore Ashok Raj Thakur
Vayu Sena Medal (VM)
- 26 officers, such as:
- Group Captain Ankur Hakim
- Group Captain Varun Bhoj (Flying)
- Wing Commander Mayank Paliwal (Flying)
- Squadron Leader Kaustubh Nalawade (Flying)
- Flight Lieutenant A. Naveen Chandar (Administration/Fighter Controller)
Veer Chakra
- Officers like:
- Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu
- Group Captain Manish Arora
- Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar
- Flight Lieutenant Arshweer Singh Thakur
Significance
The awards not only recognize individual courage but also highlight Operation Sindoor as a milestone in India’s anti-terrorism efforts, showcasing tri-services coordination, indigenous operational capabilities, and strategic precision strikes.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Operation Sindoor: Recognized for bravery and operational excellence.
- Gallantry awards for Army, Navy, and Air Force officers involved.
- Tri-services coordination and strategic precision strikes emphasized.
