The Government of India has published a gazette notification officially recognising the acts of extraordinary bravery by Indian Army and Air Force personnel during several military operations, including the recently declassified and highly strategic ‘Operation Sindoor’.
The document lists the citations for Vir Chakra awardees, offering a rare official insight into the objectives, execution, and impact of one of India’s most successful covert counter-terrorism missions.
According to the notification, six officers from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force have been honoured with the Vir Chakra for their gallantry, leadership, and operational excellence during Operation Sindoor.
The Heroes of Operation Sindoor
The Gazette notification details the individual contributions of each awardee, capturing the courage and precision that defined Operation Sindoor.
Colonel Koshank Lamba, 302 Medium Regiment (Indian Army)
Awarded the Vir Chakra for his “flawless leadership” and “exceptional bravery”, Col Lamba successfully carried out the first-ever air mobilisation of a specialised equipment battery on short notice. His efforts enabled the timely and covert induction of critical resources, ensuring the success of the operation. His leadership embodied the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, 1988 (Independent) Medium Battery (Indian Army)
As Officer Commanding, Lt Col Bisht displayed “exceptional courage and operational brilliance”, leading his unit to completely destroy terrorist camps across the Line of Control. His actions were instrumental in achieving “a resounding success” and demonstrated conspicuous bravery under intense hostile conditions.
Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Flying (Pilot) (Indian Air Force)
Group Captain Sidhu’s squadron was tasked with executing high-precision strike missions over enemy territory. Awarded the Vir Chakra for “exceptional gallantry and courage”, he successfully conducted multiple sorties over pre-determined targets, achieving all operational objectives despite formidable air defence networks.
Group Captain Animesh Patni, Flying (Pilot) (Indian Air Force)
Commanding a strategic Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) squadron from a forward base, Group Captain Patni provided critical real-time guidance during enemy counter-attacks. His leadership led to a decisive blow to enemy air capabilities, inflicting significant losses without his squadron suffering any damage.
Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik, Flying (Pilot) (Indian Air Force)
As Deputy Mission Leader, Sqn Ldr Malik undertook an unescorted midnight strike mission against heavily fortified targets guarded by advanced air defence weapon systems. His low-level, dark-night tactical routing and precise weapon delivery within a narrow launch window displayed extraordinary skill and bravery, successfully evading long-range missile systems and radar coverage.
Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh, Flying (Pilot) (Indian Air Force)
Sqn Ldr Siddhant Singh led a three-aircraft formation tasked with a stand-off precision strike on a heavily networked target. His operation demanded accurate planning, precise coordination, and exceptional flying skills to penetrate enemy airspace equipped with Surface-to-Air Guided Weapons (SAGWs) and Air Defence aircraft. His mission was completed with surgical precision and no losses, showcasing the highest level of airmanship.
Operation Sindoor stands as a symbol of India’s new counter-terror posture, combining precision warfare with strategic deterrence.
Launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was India’s retaliatory action to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives in Jammu and Kashmir. The mission marked a strategic shift in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, from defensive response to proactive dismantling of cross-border terror networks.
The operation, conducted at 1:05 AM, was named ‘Sindoor’ as a tribute to the widows of the Pahalgam victims, symbolising India’s resolve to avenge the attack with precision and honour.
In just 22 minutes, Indian forces executed surgical strikes across nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including key hubs at Muridke and Bahawalpur, both known to house major terror outfits.
The operation employed “Made-in-India” weaponry and technology, featuring Rafale and Su-30MKI fighter jets armed with indigenous BrahMos missiles, and drones providing real-time battlefield surveillance. The Indian Space Research Organisation’s satellite imaging support proved crucial in identifying and neutralising high-value targets.
Following the strikes, Pakistan retaliated using drones, missiles, and artillery. However, India’s multi-layered air defence systems, including the S-400 and Akash missile networks, effectively neutralised the attacks.
During the four-day engagement, the Indian Air Force destroyed six Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, two high-value aircraft, over ten Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs), a C-130 transport aircraft, and multiple cruise missiles. More than 100 terrorists were also killed in the strikes.
By May 10, facing extensive losses and damage to its strategic infrastructure, Pakistan requested a ceasefire, marking India’s decisive victory in one of the most efficient military operations in its modern history.
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