President Droupadi Murmu presented India’s prestigious gallantry awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The awards honored exceptional acts of bravery by personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and other security agencies. The ceremony was attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The awards underscored India’s ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and threats in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and along the country’s borders. They also recognized remarkable courage in aviation, maritime operations, and humanitarian missions. Major Ashish Kumar, Constable Sanjay Tiwari, Constable Feda Hussain Dar, Assistant Commandant Mohd Shafiq, Lieutenant Commander Suraj Prashar, Ram Goyal, Constable Saddam Hussain, and others were among the recipients of the Shaurya Chakra for their brave actions in various operations.
Assistant Commandant Vipin Wilson was acknowledged for his leadership in countering a major insurgent attack in Manipur, while Rifleman Bhoj Ram Sahu was honored for his bravery during a counter-infiltration operation along the Indo-Myanmar border. Wing Commander Abhimanyu Singh was recognized for safely recovering a fighter aircraft despite a mid-air canopy failure. The ceremony also celebrated the courage and leadership of several other Army personnel in anti-terror operations and rescue missions.
Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, Colonel Koshank Lamba, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, and others received awards for their gallantry during significant military operations. Naib Subedar Satish Kumar was commended for his exemplary leadership in counter-bombardment operations. The Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, was bestowed upon Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba, Major Arshdeep Singh, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Captain Lalrinawma Sailo, and others for their extraordinary acts of bravery.
Posthumous awards were also conferred to honor the supreme sacrifices made in service of the nation. Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar, Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj, Constable Deepak Chingakham, and Rifleman Sunil Kumar were among those recognized for their valor and sacrifice.
