Image Credit: News18
India formally acknowledged the gallantry of its troops who took part in Operation Sindoor, a massive operation aimed at terror and military bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) three months ago. President Droupadi Murmu sanctioned a total of 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service medals for members of the mission, the defence ministry said.
The honours list comprises four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, two bars to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). Distinguished service awards consist of seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, nine Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 24 Yudh Seva Medals.
Vir Chakra awardees India's third-highest war honour showed remarkable valour in Operation Sindoor, which was mounted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The awardees include Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, some high-ranking Indian Air Force officers, and two posthumous award winners of the BSF.
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Army and Air Force in coordinated strikes on the early morning of May 7. In the period May 7 to May 10 ceasefire, Indian forces raided nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK and killed at least 100 terrorists.
Major terror targets were Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, Markaz Taiba in Muridke, and various camps in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bhimber, and Sarjal. Indian Air Force also attacked 13 Pakistani airfields and defence installations, such as Rafiqui, Chaklala, Sialkot, Skardu, and Karachi installations.
Pakistan retaliated with drone and missile strikes on the evening of May 7–8 against cities and military establishments in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Chandigarh. India's air defence network intercepted and neutralised the attacking forces effectively.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the operation as a "balanced military response" that showed India's willingness to deploy advanced technology, precision intelligence, and strategic force against terror.
"It was an unambiguous message that India may be tolerant but its people's safety and the nation's dignity will always take precedence," said Singh. "Irrespective of the deep roots of terrorism, their total elimination will be done."
The success of Operation Sindoor will hold centre stage in Friday's Independence Day festivities at Red Fort. A Mi-17 helicopter will fly a flag in homage to the mission, event decor will highlight its logo, and official invitation cards will have the operation's signature logo.
With the gallantry awards and public acclaim, the government has made Operation Sindoor a milestone in recent Indian military history, reflecting both strategic competency and unshakeable determination against terrorism.
