India Honors Operation Sindoor Heroes with Vir Chakra Awards on Independence Day 2025

New Delhi, August 15, 2025: On the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, the government conferred the prestigious Vir Chakra, the nation’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, on 13 armed forces personnel for their exemplary bravery during Operation Sindoor.

Nine Indian Air Force (IAF) officers and four Army personnel were recognized for their critical roles in the operation, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 that claimed 26 civilian lives.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a decisive retaliatory strike against terrorist headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur, as well as Pakistani military assets.

The operation showcased India’s military precision and resolve, with IAF fighter pilots executing deep cross-border strikes that destroyed nine terrorist facilities, resulting in over 100 terrorist casualties. The IAF also downed six Pakistani jets, demonstrating tactical superiority.

The Army personnel, alongside the IAF, played a vital role in ground operations and coordination, ensuring the mission’s success despite intense hostilities, including Pakistani drone and missile attacks.

The Vir Chakra recipients from the IAF include Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Group Captain Manish Arora, Group Captain Animesh Patni, Group Captain Kunal Kalra, Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar, Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh, Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik, and Flight Lieutenant Aarshveer Singh Thakur.

Their precision strikes and unmatched valor under pressure were instrumental in neutralizing threats and safeguarding Indian airspace. The Army awardees—Colonel Koshank Lamba (302 Medium Regiment), Lt Colonel Sushil Bisht (1988 Medium Battery), Naib Subedar Satish Kumar (4 Dogra), and Rifleman Sunil Kumar (4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry)—were honored for their gallantry in ground operations, contributing to the mission’s strategic success.In addition to the Vir Chakras, seven top military officers received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for exceptional operational planning and execution during Operation Sindoor.

These include Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, former Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, and Air Marshal AK Bharti.

The awards highlight the coordinated efforts across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.President Droupadi Murmu approved a total of 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards, including four Kirti Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, and 26 Vayu Sena Medals, recognizing the bravery of personnel across the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces.

Notably, 16 Border Security Force personnel received gallantry medals, with two posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for defending the Kharkola outpost under intense shelling.

The awards, announced on August 14, 2025, reflect India’s commitment to honoring its bravehearts who safeguard national security. Operation Sindoor’s success, marked by these recognitions, underscores the armed forces’ readiness and strategic prowess, resonating as a moment of national pride during Independence Day celebrations.