President Droupadi Murmu on Monday conferred 51 gallantry awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I), held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
The awards included seven Kirti Chakras, including two posthumous, 15 Vir Chakras, including three posthumous, and 29 Shaurya Chakras, including one posthumous.
The honours were presented to personnel from the Defence Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and State/Union Territory Police.
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Attended the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-1) where Gallantry Awards were conferred upon our brave personnel. We are proud of their extraordinary courage, commitment and selfless service to the nation. pic.twitter.com/kvnW6dmXwa
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2026
The nation's salute to steadfast courage
According to the official PIB release, the awards were given for displaying “raw courage, unparalleled bravery and total disregard to personal safety in the line of duty.”
The ceremony recognised personnel across the Army, Navy, Air Force, CAPFs and state police, reflecting operations ranging from counter-insurgency and anti-militancy work to high-risk missions in difficult terrain.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among those present at the ceremony.
Salute to the brave recipients of the Shaurya Chakra, honoured by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji.
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 8, 2026
Their extraordinary acts of courage & unwavering commitment to the nation inspire us all.
I bow with deep respect to those who were awarded posthumously. Their sacrifice… pic.twitter.com/afYlDiwW36
Courage nder fire, duly recognised
Among the Shaurya Chakra recipients were Chhattisgarh Police Inspectors Laxman Kewat and Rameswar Prasad Deshmukh, who were recognised for their courage during anti-naxal operations.
Major Aditya Pratap Singh received the Shaurya Chakra for foiling a major attack by insurgents in Arunachal Pradesh, while Lance Naik Meenatchi Sundaram A was honoured with the Kirti Chakra for neutralising a hardcore terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir despite being severely injured.
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Noteworthy names in a decorated gathering
The Kirti Chakra list also included Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair of the Indian Air Force, identified in the PIB award list as Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair.
Nair is one of the four selected Gaganyatris for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.
The official award list also recorded posthumous honours for Sub Inspector Md Imteyaj and Constable Deepak Chingakham of the Border Security Force, alongside other recipients who were recognised for acts of exceptional gallantry in service.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony is held annually to recognise gallantry and distinguished service across the armed forces and police organisations.
