New Delhi, December 19, 2025 - The Indian Armed Forces have been collectively honored as NDTV's "Indian of the Year 2025" at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The award recognizes the forces' exceptional courage, coordination, and precision during Operation Sindoor in May of this year. This operation was launched to avenge a terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
Operation Sindoor involved targeting "cross-border terror infrastructure" in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to reports, Indian forces successfully destroyed several terror-linked infrastructures within minutes. This was followed by a three-day face-off between Indian and Pakistani forces, where the Indian side neutralized Pakistani offenses and inflicted significant damage to their military infrastructure.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a speech to Parliament in July, lauded the armed forces, stating that they avenged the April 22nd attack within 22 minutes with precision attacks. He highlighted that Operation Sindoor made three points clear: India will respond to terrorist attacks in its own way, nuclear blackmail will not work, and the government does not differentiate between terrorist-supporting governments and terror masterminds.
The NDTV Indian of the Year award has been recognizing individuals and institutions that have significantly shaped the country for over two decades. The 2025 edition is themed "Ideas. Inspiration. Impact," and aims to honor those whose contributions move the nation forward.
Rahul Kanwal, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, NDTV Network, emphasized that the award recognizes those who propel India forward through their ideas, conviction, and courage to lead. He added that this edition reflects the energy of a renewed NDTV and celebrates those shaping the possibilities of a new India as the country enters a defining decade.
The award ceremony was attended by a host of eminent personalities from various fields, including business, governance, sports, science, and culture. Hon'ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, was also present at the event.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, along with Vir Chakra Awardees Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar, Group Captain Manish Arora, Group Captain Kunal Kalra and Wing Commander Joy Chandra, and Nao Sena Medal gallantry awardee Commander Saurabh Kumar were present on stage to receive the honor on behalf of the Indian Armed Forces.
Other notable awardees at the NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 event included Vicky Kaushal, who won the Actor of the Year award for his role in "Chhaava," and Ahaan Panday, who was named Debutant of the Year for his performance in "Saiyaara". Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla won NDTV's 'Science Icon Of The Year' Award and Dr. Ashish Satav And Dr. Kavita Satav Of The MAHAN Trust won NDTV 'Health Leader Of The Year' Award. Jay Shah, chairing the International Cricket Council, was awarded Transformational Leader of the Year and Sunil Vachani won Business Leader Of The Year.
