Centre Awards Gallantry Citations, Vir Chakra Conferred for Operation Sindoor
Indian Army and Air Force personnel recognised for exceptional courage and operational excellence
New Delhi, Oct 22 : The Central government has officially issued a gazette notification detailing gallantry awards for members of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force in recognition of their extraordinary bravery during various operations, including the recently completed 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 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), 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, 9 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 24 Yudh Seva Medals.
Additionally, 290 personnel received Mention in Despatches, including 115 from the Indian Army, 5 from the Indian Navy, 167 from the Indian Air Force, and 3 from the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB).
Among the Vir Chakra recipients:
Colonel Koshank Lamba (302 Medium Regiment) conducted the first ever short notice air mobilisation of a specialised equipment battery, ensuring timely and secret induction of inter command personnel.
Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht (1988 Independent Medium Battery) led his unit with remarkable courage, successfully neutralising terrorist camps during a critical operation.
Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu commanded effective strike missions against pre-selected targets, completing all operational objectives.
Group Captain Animesh Patni, operating a strategic Surface to Air Missile (SAM) squadron from a forward airbase, inflicted significant damage on the enemy without harming his own resources.
Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik executed a high risk midnight mission in heavily defended airspace, delivering precision strikes on fortified targets.
Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh contributed to a three-aircraft formation tasked with a stand off precision attack, demonstrating exceptional coordination and flying skill in a highly defended airspace.
The gazette notification highlights the leadership, courage, and operational proficiency of these officers, underscoring the dedication of India’s armed forces to national security and operational readiness.
