As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, the nation is also honoring the brave hearts of the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces with gallantry awards. This year, a significant number of awards recognize the exceptional courage and service displayed during Operation Sindoor. The awards were approved by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of Independence Day.

Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, was India's response to the terror attack in Pahalgam. The operation involved precision strikes against terror hubs and military installations within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation targeted nine locations, including terror camps in Muridke and Bahawalpur, strongholds of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed respectively.

In total, 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards were announced. These included four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, 58 Sena Medals, six Nao Sena Medals, 26 Vayu Sena Medals, seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals (SYSMs), nine Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 24 Yudh Seva Medals. Additionally, there were two Bar to Sena Medals and 290 Mention-in-Despatches.

The Vir Chakra, the nation's third-highest wartime gallantry medal, was awarded to nine officers from the Indian Air Force (IAF), four personnel from the Indian Army, and two from the Border Security Force (BSF).

The IAF officers awarded the Vir Chakra include Group Captains Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Manish Arora, Animesh Patni, and Kunal Kalra; Wing Commander Joy Chandra; Squadron Leaders Sarthak Kumar, Siddhant Singh, and Rizwan Malik; and Flight Lieutenant Aarshveer Singh Thakur. These officers were recognized for their strategic skill in striking terrorist and military targets in Pakistan. The IAF's actions during Operation Sindoor reportedly resulted in the downing of at least six Pakistani aircraft.

From the Indian Army, Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lt Colonel Sushil Bisht, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar, and Rifleman Sunil Kumar received the Vir Chakra.

Posthumous Vir Chakras were awarded to Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj and Constable Deepak Chingakham of the BSF. They were killed defending the highly-sensitive Kharkola outpost in Jammu against intense shelling and drone attacks during the cross-border hostilities. Despite fatal injuries, they refused to abandon their post.

The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), a rare and distinguished honor, was awarded to seven top military officers who planned and executed Operation Sindoor. These officers are Lt-Gen Pratik Sharma (Northern Army Command chief), Lt-Gen Rajiv Ghai (DGMO), Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (then Western Naval Command chief), Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Marshal Jeetandra Mishra, and Air Marshal A.K. Bharti.

In addition to the Vir Chakra, 26 Indian Air Force officers and airmen were awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for their contributions during Operation Sindoor. These individuals were involved in missions targeting Pakistan, as well as operating the S-400 and other air defense systems. The air defense systems successfully foiled attacks planned by Pakistan on Indian soil. Thirteen Indian Air Force officers were awarded the Yudh Sewa Medal for their roles in executing attacks and defending Indian airspace.

Sixteen BSF personnel were also awarded gallantry medals for displaying exceptional bravery and unmatched valor during Operation Sindoor. Their acts of valor included neutralizing drone attacks and destroying enemy surveillance equipment.

Notably, for the first time, two Agniveers were awarded the Sena Medal for their role in Operation Sindoor. One Agniveer also received a Mention in Despatches.

The Independence Day celebrations will highlight Operation Sindoor, with the operation's logo featured on invitation cards, floral decorations, and view cutters. An IAF Mi-17 helicopter will also carry a flag representing Operation Sindoor.