Centre notifies Vir Chakra citations in gazette: Op Sindoor heroes among army, IAF gallantry awardees

Operation Sindoor

The Central Government has released a gazette notification listing gallantry award citations for defence personnel from multiple operations, including Operation Sindoor. The citations highlight acts of courage and leadership by members of the Indian Army and Indian Air Force who displayed exceptional bravery in the line of duty.

According to the PIB, “President Droupadi Murmu has approved 127 Gallantry awards and 40 Distinguished Service awards to the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel… These are: 04 Kirti Chakras; 15 Vir Chakras; 16 Shaurya Chakras; 02 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry); 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry); 06 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry); 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry); 07 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals; 09 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 24 Yudh Seva Medals.”

The President has also approved 290 Mention-in-Despatches – 115 personnel of the Indian Army, 05 of the Indian Navy, 167 of the Indian Air Force and 03 of the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB).

The Central Government has recently issued a gazette notification in which the citations of the gallantry awardees of defence forces from different operations, including Operation Sindoor, have been notified. The gallantry award citations included in the gazette are mainly of… pic.twitter.com/Wd7IWCbyvZ

— ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2025

Colonel Koshank Lamba of the 302 Medium Regiment has been conferred the Vir Chakra for executing the first-ever rapid air mobilisation of a specialised equipment battery. His flawless leadership enabled the timely induction of inter-command personnel under secrecy, ensuring operational success.

Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht of the 1988 (Independent) Medium Battery has also been awarded the Vir Chakra for leading his unit to a resounding success in a counter-terrorism operation. His leadership and courage destroyed enemy camps.

In the Indian Air Force, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, a flying pilot, earned the Vir Chakra for exemplary leadership during a high-risk strike mission that achieved all designated objectives against fortified targets.

Group Captain Animesh Patni, who commanded a strategic Surface-to-Air Missile squadron at a forward base, was recognised for demonstrating exceptional composure and precision that inflicted heavy losses on adversaries without any damage to his own unit.

Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik received the Vir Chakra for his gallantry during a midnight strike mission through heavily defended enemy airspace. His tactical flying and precision attacks helped neutralise fortified targets under challenging conditions.

Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh was also awarded the Vir Chakra for leading a three-aircraft formation in a stand-off precision strike amid dense enemy air defence networks, showcasing outstanding airmanship and coordination.

The government’s latest gazette reflects the continuing valour and dedication of India’s armed forces personnel in protecting national security across complex combat situations.