Indian Army Para SF Soldiers Recognized with Kirti and Shaurya Chakra for Gallantry at 2026 Defence Investiture Ceremony
The maroon beret, a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and elite soldiering, remained at the forefront as members of the Indian Army's Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) received gallantry awards during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I).
President Droupadi Murmu awarded the gallantry honors at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting the bravery, tactical skill, and dedication of India's soldiers who have undertaken perilous counter-terror and counter-insurgency operations.
A photograph depicting senior Army leaders and Para Special Forces personnel donning the maroon berets represents more than just a ceremonial event. It embodies the pride of a regiment whose members often operate silently, in hostile environments, and under extreme risk, receiving recognition for their bravery only when formally honored.
The awardees included Para SF officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and soldiers who demonstrated remarkable courage in operations across Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. Their missions involved close combat with terrorists, hostage rescue, reconnaissance, and precision strikes on insurgent hideouts.
Kirti Chakra Awardees
Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba, 2 PARA (Special Forces)
Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba from 2 PARA (SF) was recognized with the Kirti Chakra for his courage and leadership during a high-risk counter-terror search operation in Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 11, 2025.
His team identified two heavily armed terrorists attempting to flee through a stream. Recognizing the risk of their escape through the forest, Naib Subedar Subba repositioned his squad under intense enemy fire to block their path.
Leading the charge, he engaged and injured the first terrorist. Despite the danger, he exposed himself deliberately to draw enemy attention and engaged the second terrorist in close combat, neutralizing him at point-blank range.
His actions epitomized the Special Forces' tradition of speed, surprise, aggression, and courage under fire.
Captain Lalrinawma Sailo, 4 PARA (Special Forces)
Captain Lalrinawma Sailo from 4 PARA (Special Forces) received the Kirti Chakra for his courage and tactical leadership in a counter-terror mission in the forested regions of Srinagar.
His team was tasked with dismantling the terror network behind the Pahalgam attack. Operating in dense forests, he identified suspicious movements and utilized a Mini Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) to confirm the presence of a high-category terrorist.
Under heavy fire, Captain Sailo advanced directly towards the threat, demonstrating composure and bravery by engaging the terrorist in close combat, neutralizing a dangerous commander before a counter-assault could be initiated.
His actions highlighted the modern execution of Special Forces operations, merging technology, intelligence, battlefield awareness, and fearless courage.
Shaurya Chakra Awardees
Major Ashish Kumar, 7 PARA (Special Forces)
Major Ashish Kumar from 7 PARA (SF) was honored with the Shaurya Chakra for his involvement in a counter-terror operation on November 2, 2024, in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir.
His team was surveilling a known terrorist infiltration route when a combat cell was intercepted. The terrorists unleashed heavy fire, creating a volatile situation.
Major Kumar demonstrated tactical expertise by coordinating sniper teams and support squads while advancing through enemy fire to engage the terrorists closely.
During the encounter, he neutralized two terrorists from the PAFF/LeT network, including an operational commander trained in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Arbaz Mir.
His leadership ensured that the terrorists were unable to escape or inflict more damage.
Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh, 11 PARA (Special Forces)
Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh from 11 PARA (SF) received the Shaurya Chakra for rescuing civilian hostages from insurgents in the Northeast.
Upon receiving intelligence about the abduction, Major Singh led his team into challenging terrain, where the presence of hostages required extreme precision.
Facing a heavy ambush, Major Singh aggressively advanced to prevent the captives' execution, engaging insurgents at close range and neutralizing a militant.
In a brave act, he used his body to shield a civilian hostage and guided captives to safety, ensuring no harm came to them.
His actions showcased not only combat bravery but also a deep commitment to protecting innocent lives.
Major Shivkant Yadav, 5 PARA (Special Forces)
Major Shivkant Yadav from 5 PARA (SF) was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his strategic planning and bravery during a challenging mission in hostile jungle terrain.
He directed a specialized strike squad through difficult, heavily booby-trapped jungles, requiring stealth and endurance.
Despite the environmental challenges, Major Yadav led his team to execute a precise ambush, neutralizing a high-ranking insurgent commander.
His leadership demonstrated the Special Forces' capacity to operate efficiently in hostile environments with precision and focus.
Lieutenant Colonel Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar, 21 PARA (Special Forces)
Lieutenant Colonel Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar from 21 PARA (SF) received the Shaurya Chakra for orchestrating a complex operation against insurgents.
He developed an intelligence network within hostile areas, involving deep surveillance, risky reconnaissance, and precise coordination.
Through sustained intelligence efforts, he located a hidden insurgent base, leading to a successful high-risk strike that dismantled the enemy camp.
His work emphasized the strategic aspect of Special Forces, where intelligence and meticulous planning are pivotal to success.
Captain Yogendra Singh Thakur, PARA Special Forces
Captain Yogendra Singh Thakur from the Parachute Regiment Special Forces was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery during a blind encounter in Jammu & Kashmir.
Thick fog reduced visibility during the operation when his team came under heavy terrorist fire.
Instead of waiting for the fog to clear, Captain Thakur crawled towards the enemy, directly engaging and neutralizing the threat.
His calm under pressure and willingness to face danger played a crucial role in protecting his team during the encounter.
Subedar Shamsher Singh, 4 PARA (Special Forces)
Subedar Shamsher Singh from 4 PARA (SF) was honored with the Shaurya Chakra for his tactical discipline and courage during a close-combat operation in Srinagar.
In a cordon operation, his team faced direct threats from terrorists. Anchoring his squad’s position, he facilitated effective maneuvers by other elements.
His steadfastness provided the tactical opening needed to eliminate the main threat.
His actions reflected a seasoned leader’s battlefield maturity — calm under pressure, disciplined under fire, and dedicated to mission success.
Lance Naik, Now Naik, Rahul Singh, 4 PARA (Special Forces)
Lance Naik Rahul Singh, recently promoted to Naik, from 4 PARA (SF) was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his stealth and bravery during a mission.
Part of a Special Forces team, he identified signs of terrorist presence and located a secret bunker.
Approaching cautiously, he neutralized a hostile combatant before they could react, securing an advantage for his team.
His bravery exemplified the professionalism of a Special Forces soldier — alert, fearless, and effective in critical moments.
The Maroon Beret: A Symbol of India’s Elite Warriors
The Parachute Regiment Special Forces, identified by their maroon berets, are among the Indian Army's most elite units, trained for high-risk operations including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, reconnaissance, and direct action missions.
The awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 are not just individual accolades but a testament to the courage, sacrifice, and professionalism of soldiers serving on the nation's frontlines.
From Kishtwar to the Northeast, these Para SF soldiers demonstrated that courage means advancing despite fear.
Their stories will continue to inspire future generations of soldiers and aspirants across India.
