President Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards for personnel of the Indian Army as part of the Independence Day 2026 honours, recognising acts of courage, sacrifice and distinguished service.
The wider announcement covers 78 Gallantry Awards, including 13 awarded posthumously, to personnel of the Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces. The awards include nine Kirti Chakras, one Bar to Shaurya Chakra, 19 Shaurya Chakras, five Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry), three Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and five Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 Gallantry Awards on the eve of the 80th Independence Day. 13 awards are posthumous.
The announcement includes 9 Kirti Chakras.
1 Bar to Shaurya Chakra has also been approved.
19 Shaurya Chakras have been approved, including one posthumous. The Army's honours also include 5 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 36 Sena Medals (Gallantry).
Major Aditya Pratap Singh has been approved for a Bar to Shaurya Chakra. Army personnel from Special Forces and Rashtriya Rifles formations feature among the prominent awardees.
For the Army, the announcement includes some of the country's highest gallantry decorations.
Kirti Chakra Honours
The Kirti Chakra list includes:
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Gallantry awards give the country an opportunity to recognise the individuals behind India's defence capabilities. The significance of this year's announcement goes beyond the numbers. The inclusion of Special Forces and Rashtriya Rifles personnel, along with posthumous recognitions, reflects the personal risks that can accompany military service. At a time when Independence Day is centred on the country's freedom and sovereignty, these awards also bring attention to those responsible for protecting it.
- Lieutenant Colonel Maneo Francis PF, 21 PARA (Special Forces)
- Major Jitendra Rathee, 2 PARA (Special Forces)
- Havildar Gajendra Singh, 2 PARA (Special Forces), posthumous
The remaining Kirti Chakra recipients in the wider list are personnel from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Bar to Shaurya Chakra
Major Aditya Pratap Singh, SC, SM, The Rajputana Rifles, 44 Assam Rifles, has been approved for a Bar to Shaurya Chakra.
Shaurya Chakra
The Army recipients listed under the Shaurya Chakra category include:
- Major Paramveer, The Garhwal Rifles, 36 Rashtriya Rifles
- Major Tarun Vasudevan, Corps of Engineers, 57 Rashtriya Rifles
The official release contains the complete list of awardees across the different categories.
What Makes This Recognition Significant
Gallantry awards are more than a list of names and medals. Behind every citation is a record of personnel who performed their duties under extraordinary circumstances. The 2026 announcement also includes 13 posthumous gallantry awards, bringing a particularly solemn dimension to this year's Independence Day honours.
For the Army, the presence of personnel from units including 21 PARA (Special Forces), 2 PARA (Special Forces), 36 Rashtriya Rifles and 57 Rashtriya Rifles underlines the demanding operational environments in which many such acts of courage take place.
