New Delhi, October 22: The Government of India has issued a gazette notification officially recognising the extraordinary acts of bravery exhibited by defence personnel during various military operations, including the highly strategic and classified Operation Sindoor. The announcement details citations of gallantry awards conferred upon members of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, offering rare insight into the operation’s objectives and the exceptional courage of those who executed it.
Six distinguished officers have been decorated with the Vir Chakra for their pivotal roles in Operation Sindoor, which has been hailed as a benchmark in modern military precision and inter-service coordination.
Colonel Koshank Lamba – 302 Medium Regiment (Indian Army)
Colonel Lamba was awarded the Vir Chakra for his “flawless leadership and exceptional bravery.” He led the “first-ever air mobilisation of a specialised equipment battery” on short notice, ensuring the timely and covert induction of critical resources. His actions exemplified the highest martial ethos and operational brilliance of the Indian Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht – 1988 (Independent) Medium Battery (Indian Army)
As Officer Commanding, Lt Col Bisht demonstrated “exceptional courage, leadership, and operational brilliance,” leading his unit to complete destruction of terrorist camps. His decisive actions and resolute command were instrumental in ensuring the mission’s resounding success against hostile forces.
Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu – Flying (Pilot) (Indian Air Force)
Awarded the Vir Chakra for his exceptional gallantry, Group Captain Sidhu commanded a fighter squadron that executed precision strikes over pre-determined targets. His meticulous planning and fearless execution ensured that all mission objectives were achieved with clinical accuracy.
Group Captain Animesh Patni – Flying (Pilot) (Indian Air Force)
Commanding a forward-deployed Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) squadron, Group Captain Patni provided “exceptional leadership” and tactical acumen that delivered a decisive blow to enemy capabilities. His squadron inflicted significant losses on adversarial assets without suffering any operational damage.
Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik – Flying (Pilot) (Indian Air Force)
As Deputy Mission Leader, Squadron Leader Malik undertook an unescorted midnight strike against heavily fortified targets protected by advanced air defence systems. Flying at low altitude in total darkness, he navigated hostile radar and missile zones with precision, delivering weapons within a narrow launch window — a testament to his extraordinary skill and courage.
Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh – Flying (Pilot) (Indian Air Force)
Tasked with leading a three-aircraft formation for a stand-off precision strike, Squadron Leader Singh demonstrated “accurate planning, precise coordination, and exceptional airmanship.” He successfully penetrated a heavily integrated air defence network armed with long- and medium-range Surface-to-Air Guided Weapons (SAGWs), accomplishing his mission with distinction.
Operation Sindoor: A Defining Moment in India’s Counter-Terror Strategy
Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor marked a transformative shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine — from a defensive posture to a proactive, pre-emptive strategy against foreign-sponsored terrorism. The operation was conducted as a retaliatory measure following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 innocent civilian lives.
Executed with surgical precision across multiple domains, the operation targeted entrenched terror bases and logistical infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In just 22 minutes, Indian forces neutralised nine high-value targets, including camps at Muridke and Bahawalpur — long considered nerve centres of cross-border militancy.
Named Sindoor as a tribute to the widows of the Pahalgam victims, the mission showcased India’s indigenised defence capability, with the Rafale and Su-30MKI jets deploying BrahMos missiles and Made-in-India precision weapons, supported by real-time satellite intelligence from ISRO and advanced drone surveillance.
Despite retaliatory strikes involving drones, artillery, and missiles from Pakistan, India’s multi-layered air defence shield — incorporating S-400 and Akash systems — effectively neutralised all threats. Over the four-day conflict, Indian forces destroyed six Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, two high-value aircraft, ten UCAVs, one C-130 transport plane, and multiple cruise missiles. More than 100 terrorists were also eliminated in precision operations.
The conflict concluded on May 10, 2025, after Pakistan requested a ceasefire following substantial losses.
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