President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-I) 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday, May 22, 2025, where she conferred six Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras to the deserving personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and State/Union Territory Police. These gallantry awards recognize acts of exceptional courage, unwavering dedication, and selfless service demonstrated in the line of duty.

The Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, was bestowed upon six individuals, four of whom were honored posthumously. The posthumous recipients included Col Manpreet Singh of the Sikh Light Infantry, Rifleman Ravi Kumar of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Deputy Superintendent of Police Himayun Muzammil Bhat of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Naik Dilwar Khan of the Indian Army. Maj Malla Rama Gopal Naidu of the Maratha Light Infantry, 56 Rashtriya Rifles, and Major Manjit of the Punjab Regiment, 22 Rashtriya Rifles, also received the Kirti Chakra.

In addition to the Kirti Chakras, President Murmu awarded 33 Shaurya Chakras, with seven being awarded posthumously. The Shaurya Chakra is awarded for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy. Among the posthumous recipients of the Shaurya Chakra were Major Aashish Dhonchak and Sepoy Pardeep Singh, both from the Sikh Light Infantry, Havildar Rohit Kumar from the Dogra Regiment, and Shri Pawan Kumar and Shri Devan C, both from the CRPF. Also included were OEM GDE-1, Vijayan Kutty G and Captain Deepak Singh from the Indian Army

The brave officers and personnel were recognized for their valor in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East. These high-risk missions led to the neutralization and apprehension of heavily armed terrorists and the recovery of substantial caches of arms and ammunition. Some officers from the Indian Navy were also commended for their leadership in anti-piracy operations, which resulted in the surrender of pirates and the safe rescue of hostages. The Indian Air Force personnel were also recognized for averting potential disasters during in-flight emergencies. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers received accolades for their fearless actions in regions affected by Left-Wing Extremism.

The gallantry awards acknowledge the courage, bravery, and commitment to duty demonstrated by these individuals. Their actions serve as an inspiration to the nation and exemplify the highest standards of service and sacrifice.