During the Phase-I of the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 8, President Droupadi Murmu presented 51 gallantry awards, which included seven Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, and 29 Shaurya Chakras. These awards were conferred to personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and State and Union Territory Police forces, acknowledging their exceptional courage and dedication in perilous situations while serving the nation.
Among the prestigious awards, the Kirti Chakra, which is India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, was bestowed upon five individuals. The awardees included Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A from the 34 Rashtriya Rifles, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba of the 2 Para (Special Forces), Major Arshdeep Singh of the 1 Assam Rifles, Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair of the Indian Air Force, and Captain Lalrinawma Sailo from the 4 Para (Special Forces). Additionally, two posthumous Kirti Chakras were granted to Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar from the 1 Rashtriya Rifles and Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari of the 1 Sikkim Scouts.
The ceremony also recognized several Army and Air Force personnel for their critical roles during Operation Sindoor, awarding them the Vir Chakra, which ranks as India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award. Notable recipients included Colonel Koshank Lamba, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, and Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar, among others. Posthumous awards were given to Sub-Inspector Mohd Imteyaj, Constable Deepak Chingakham, and Rifleman Sunil Kumar of the 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.
The Shaurya Chakra, awarded for acts of gallantry outside the face of the enemy, was presented to 29 service members, comprising individuals from various forces including the Army, Navy, and police units. Key recipients included Lieutenant Colonel Neetesh Bharti Shukla of the 19 Sikh, Major Aditya Pratap Singh from the Rajputana Rifles/44 Assam Rifles, and Major Ashish Kumar of the 7 Para (Special Forces). A posthumous Shaurya Chakra was awarded to Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand from the 4 Rashtriya Rifles.
The recipients were lauded for their extraordinary valor amidst challenging conditions during counter-terrorism operations, anti-insurgency missions, and other acts demanding exceptional bravery. The Defence Investiture Ceremony stands as a prestigious occasion for honoring the members of India’s Armed Forces and security personnel who exemplify outstanding dedication and selflessness in their service to the nation. Through this event, the spirit of sacrifice and professionalism that characterizes India’s military remains celebrated and affirmed.
