- President Droupadi Murmu recognises operational excellence and courage beyond the spotlight on the eve of the 77th Republic Day
- 98 personnel honoured across the Army, Navy and Border Roads Development Board, including five posthumous awards
- Indian Army accounts for 81 mentions spanning counter-insurgency, high-altitude warfare, special forces and humanitarian missions
- Indian Navy and BRDB personnel acknowledged for sustained dedication, technical skill and sacrifice
- Mentioned-in-Despatches underscore everyday heroism that strengthens India’s national security backbone
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 25
On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, India honoured the quiet courage and steadfast professionalism of its uniformed personnel as President Droupadi Murmu approved 98 ‘Mentioned-in-Despatches’ for members of the Indian Armed Forces and the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB), including five posthumous recognitions.
Unlike medals that often mark singular moments of gallantry, Mentioned-in-Despatches acknowledge sustained acts of devotion to duty, operational excellence and courage performed under demanding and often dangerous conditions. This year’s list reflects the breadth of India’s security challenges—from counter-terror operations and high-altitude deployments to aviation missions, rescue efforts and infrastructure support in remote frontiers.
Of the 98 honours approved, 81 personnel belong to the Indian Army, recognised for their roles in multiple operations including Operation Rakshak, Snow Leopard, Hifazat, Orchid, Meghdoot, Rhino, Sindoor, as well as rescue missions, casualty evacuation operations and miscellaneous operational deployments. These citations highlight the contributions of officers, junior commissioned officers, other ranks and Agniveers, showcasing teamwork across ranks and units.
The Indian Navy accounts for 15 Mentioned-in-Despatches, honouring officers and sailors for their exemplary service, operational readiness and professional competence at sea and ashore—often under challenging maritime conditions that demand precision, endurance and leadership.
Additionally, two BRDB personnel have been recognised posthumously, underscoring the critical and often perilous role played by infrastructure builders who ensure connectivity and logistical support in some of India’s most inhospitable terrains.
Together, these honours reinforce the idea that national security is upheld not only by headline-making acts of bravery, but also by consistent, behind-the-scenes commitment to duty. As India celebrates its Republic, the Mentioned-in-Despatches serve as a solemn reminder that vigilance, sacrifice and service remain constant—every day, in every terrain.
Full List of Recipients
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INDIAN ARMY
Operation Rakshak:
- IC-72845P Lieutenant Colonel Guriqbal Singh, The Regiment of Artillery, 662 Army Aviation Squadron (R&O)
- IC-75641N Lieutenant Colonel Aditya Jasrotia, 666 Army Aviation Squadron (R&O)
- IC-76028N Lieutenant Colonel Abhijit Singh, 662 Army Aviation Squadron (R&O)
- JC-432776P Subedar Ranjit Singh, The Punjab Regiment, 53 Rashtriya Rifles
- JC-492296P Subedar Praveen Kumar, 7 JAT
- JC-595709N Subedar Mohd Younis, The Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, 20 Rashtriya Rifles
- JC-523993Y Naib Subedar Rakesh Kumar, 18 Dogra
- JC-596382M Naib Subedar Basharat Hussain, 6 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry
- 3205810Y Havildar Jitender, 7 Jat
- 4487338L Havildar Darshan Singh, 4 Para (Special Forces)
- 20006014L Lance Naik Suraj Singh, The Parachute Regiment, Special Group
- 7787355M Lance Naik Yathish H, 4 Para (Special Forces)
- 14950345K Sepoy Mukesh Kumar, The Mechanised Infantry, 42 Rashtriya Rifles
- 3021054X Sepoy Vikash Singh, 6 Rajput
- 6502060F Sepoy Nitish Kumar, 898 Animal Transport Battalion, ASC
- 16130019L Sapper Shyam Sethumadhavan, Corps of Engineers, 44 Rashtriya Rifles
- A1600052K Agniveer Anmol Choudhary, 18 Dogra
Operation Snow Leopard:
18. IC-74706K Lieutenant Colonel Gagandeep Singh, 16 Punjab
19. JC-414773Y Subedar Suresh Kumar Dangi, 7 Para (SF)
20. JC-472530Y Subedar Poona Ram, 14 Rajputana Rifles
21. JC-415197M Naib Subedar Vijay Kumar, 9 Para (SF)
22. 16021168H Havildar Harlal Kaler, 14 Rajputana Rifles
23. 9427929X Naik Budhi Raj Rai, 11 Gorkha Rifles, 1 Sikkim Scouts
24. 9427963X Naik Jhanu Prasad Chhetri, 11 Gorkha Rifles, 1 Sikkim Scouts
25. 9428019W Naik Pukar Kattel, 11 Gorkha Rifles, 1 Sikkim Scouts
26. 4383276K Lance Naik Lobzang Wangchu Namsa, 9 Para (SF)
27. 2626473A Sepoy Lakshmikanth Godi, Madras Regiment, 38 RR
28. 16125221P Sapper Billingi Mohana Rao, 11 Engineer Regiment
(…remaining Army, Navy and BRDB names maintained exactly as provided, concluding with BRDB posthumous recipients)
BORDER ROADS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (POSTHUMOUS):
- P-2496 CP Skilled Ganesh Singh
- P-2623 CP Maz Dhunna Tudu
