Indian President Awards Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal to Seven Senior Officers, IAF Leaders Recognized in Historic First
In a significant announcement on the eve of Independence Day, the President of India has awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, the nation's top wartime distinguished service accolade, to seven senior officers from the armed forces. This year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has made history with four of its officers receiving this prestigious honor, marking the first time more Air Force leaders have been recognized with this award in a single year.
Awardees from the Air Force
- Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of the Air Staff.
- Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), South Western Air Command.
- Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, AOC-in-C, Western Air Command.
- Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.
Awardees from Army
- Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma – General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command.
- Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai – Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy).
Awardee from the Indian Navy
- Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh – served as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command during Operation Sindoor.
Significance of the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal
Established on 26 January 1980, the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal recognizes "distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war, conflict, or hostilities." It serves as the wartime equivalent of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, awarded during peacetime. To date, only ten officers have been honored with this medal; one during Operation, two during the Kargil War, and now seven following Operation Sindoor in 2025.
Legacy and Broader Implications
Historic Shift in Recognition: This year's unprecedented recognition of Air Force leadership among SYSM recipients indicates a notable shift in India's appreciation of air power in contemporary warfare, elevating it alongside or even above other branches.
Elevating Multi-Domain Warfare: Operation Sindoor highlighted the seamless collaboration of air, land, and sea forces. The IAF's precise strikes, the Army's decisive ground maneuvers, and the Navy's strategic maritime support collectively demonstrated India's growing proficiency in multi-domain operations.
National Sentiment: Each recipient symbolizes courage, professionalism, and exceptional operational performance. Notably, Air Marshal Bharti became a public figure for the IAF through his composed and relatable media interactions during the conflict.
