Meet Lieutenant Colonel Aditya Shrikumar Ghatage: 21 PARA SF Officer Who Led a Daring Indo-Myanmar Strike
Lieutenant Colonel Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army's 21 PARA (Special Forces), has been conferred the Shaurya Chakra, India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exemplary leadership in a high-stakes precision strike operation along the Indo-Myanmar border. This recognition highlights his tactical acumen and unwavering courage in neutralizing a significant threat posed by anti-national elements, marking a pivotal moment in India's counter-insurgency efforts in the region.
Professional Background and Service in Special Forces
Lieutenant Colonel Ghatage serves with the elite 21 Battalion of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), a unit renowned for its expertise in unconventional warfare, covert operations, and rapid deployment in hostile environments. The PARA (SF) units, often referred to as the "Maroon Berets," are trained for specialized tasks including cross-border raids, sabotage, and intelligence gathering, drawing from a rigorous selection process that emphasizes physical endurance, strategic planning, and combat proficiency. While specific details of his early career remain classified due to the sensitive nature of special forces operations, his role as a Team Commander underscores years of dedicated service and operational experience in challenging terrains, particularly in India's northeastern frontiers.
The 21 PARA (SF) has a storied history of contributing to national security, with operations spanning counter-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir to border security along India's eastern flanks. Officers like Lt Col Ghatage embody the regiment's motto of "Shatrujeet" (Victor over the Enemy), having undergone advanced training in high-altitude warfare, jungle operations, and close-quarters battle tactics. His award citation, released by the Ministry of Defence on the eve of Republic Day 2026, provides a rare glimpse into the caliber of leadership required for such missions.
The Daring Precision Strike: Operation Details
The operation for which Lt Col Ghatage was honored took place between July 11 and 13, 2025, targeting a fortified camp of anti-national elements along the Indo-Myanmar border. Entrusted with neutralizing the senior leadership of a notorious anti-national group—identified in some reports as the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I)—he meticulously planned and executed a covert mission that involved high-risk reconnaissance in hostile terrain. The group, known for its insurgent activities in Assam and bases in Myanmar's Sagaing region, posed a persistent threat to regional stability.
As Team Commander, Lt Col Ghatage established a robust intelligence network, directed mission-specific training, and personally conducted multiple reconnaissance missions to gather critical data. To ensure operational security, he enforced stringent detection protocols and coordinated seamlessly with combat and support elements. The kinetic phase of the strike, led personally by him, resulted in the complete destruction of the camp and the elimination of nine armed cadres, including top leadership figures. The mission also inflicted critical injuries on several others, effectively dismantling a key node in the insurgent network.
This cross-border action represents a strategic escalation in India's approach to border security, drawing parallels to previous operations such as the 2015 surgical strikes in Myanmar following the ambush on Indian troops in Manipur. Notably, the Shaurya Chakra citation marks the first official acknowledgment of this 2025 operation, underscoring the government's policy of proactive defense while maintaining operational secrecy until appropriate disclosure. Reports suggest the involvement of precision assets, though the citation emphasizes the ground-based commando raid led by Lt Col Ghatage.
Significance of the Shaurya Chakra Award
The Shaurya Chakra, instituted in 1952, is awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy during peacetime, often recognizing operations that prevent escalation into full-scale conflict. Lt Col Ghatage's citation praises his "exemplary leadership, exceptional tactical acumen, and unwavering courage," which ensured mission success without compromising the safety of his team. Announced during the Republic Day 2026 honors, this award not only celebrates individual valor but also highlights the Indian Army's capability in conducting precise, intelligence-driven strikes against transnational threats.
In the broader context, such operations align with national security strategies under advisors like Ajit Doval, emphasizing "quiet, precise, and decisive" actions to safeguard borders. They serve as a deterrent to insurgent groups exploiting porous borders, contributing to peace and development in India's Northeast.
Legacy and Inspiration for Future Generations
Lt Col Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar's achievement stands as a testament to the dedication of India's special forces personnel, who operate in the shadows to protect the nation's sovereignty. His story inspires defence aspirants and serving officers alike, illustrating the blend of intellect, bravery, and strategic foresight required in modern warfare. As India continues to strengthen its border defenses amid evolving geopolitical challenges, officers like him exemplify the highest standards of military professionalism.
In conclusion, the Shaurya Chakra award to Lt Col Ghatage not only commemorates a successful operation but also reinforces the Indian Army's commitment to national security through innovative and resolute actions.
