Indian Navy Recognizes Exceptional Service and Bravery at 2025 Investiture Ceremony
The Indian Navy recently conducted its esteemed Naval Investiture Ceremony at Nausena Bhawan, where 51 naval personnel were recognized for their exceptional gallantry, leadership, professional excellence, and distinguished service. The event underscored the Navy's steadfast commitment to maritime security and its proficiency in addressing high-risk threats in challenging environments.
The awards distributed included one Yudh Seva Medal, thirteen Nausena Medals for Gallantry, eight Nausena Medals for Devotion to Duty, and seventeen Vishisht Seva Medals.
Lieutenant Commander Vaibhav Tyagi was awarded the Nausena Medal for Gallantry for his involvement in a daring rescue operation in the Red Sea on March 6, 2024. Reflecting on the mission, he noted, “This award has been given to me for the rescue mission we conducted during a Houthi missile attack on the merchant vessel True Confidence ST. The vessel was engulfed in flames, and its 21-member crew, severely injured and adrift in a small boat, needed urgent help. Despite not knowing their exact location, we successfully located and rescued them.”
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, extended his congratulations to the honorees and emphasized the event's importance. “This ceremony marks our formal recognition of the remarkable bravery and dedication shown by our personnel. Their service ensures maritime security amidst evolving threats,” he stated.
Commodore Kartik Srimal was presented with the Yudh Seva Medal for his leadership during Operation Sankalp, initiated in response to rising maritime threats following the Israel–Hamas conflict's expansion into sea lanes. He explained the operation's breadth, saying, “We operated across 5.1 million square kilometres—one and a half times India’s landmass—covering the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean. Around 21 ships with 5,000 personnel were deployed to deter drone and missile attacks and protect merchant vessels. Reconnaissance was conducted using naval aviation assets, and we integrated inputs from international agencies, merchant ships, fishermen, and our own forces to take actionable decisions.”
Another Nausena Medal for Gallantry was awarded to Lieutenant Commander Saurabh Malik, who recounted his mission on February 2, 2022. “Our ship, INS Sharda, intercepted a hijacked fishing vessel taken by Somali pirates. One fisherman had tragically been killed, but we managed to rescue 19 others. Our eight-member boarding team acted swiftly to prevent the pirates from reaching Somali waters,” he said.
The solemn event was attended by the families of the awardees as well as senior naval officials. The ceremony concluded with a dinner hosted by the Chief of the Naval Staff in honor of the awardees.
