Meet Lieutenant Colonel CVS Nikhil: The 21 Para SF Officer Who Foiled Infiltration Near Indo-Myanmar Border

In the realm of India’s elite Special Forces, Lieutenant Colonel CVS Nikhil of the 21st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)—commonly referred to as 21 Para (SF)—stands as a distinguished exemplar of tactical excellence, resolute leadership, and unwavering commitment to national security. His actions during a high-risk counter-insurgency operation on 23 November 2023 near the Indo-Myanmar border exemplify the professionalism and precision that define India’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). For his extraordinary gallantry and operational acumen in foiling an infiltration attempt by a Valley-Based Insurgent Group, President Droupadi Murmu conferred upon him the Shaurya Chakra, India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award.

The Operation: Precision, Courage, and Decisive Action

On 23 November 2023, acting on precise intelligence indicating an imminent infiltration by armed cadres of a Valley-Based Insurgent Group, then-Major CVS Nikhil, serving as team leader, strategically deployed his troop to establish a meticulously planned ambush along a likely infiltration route in dense jungle terrain. While conducting surveillance, Major Nikhil and his scout identified and challenged the group of armed insurgents attempting to breach the perimeter.

Facing indiscriminate enemy fire without regard for personal safety, Major Nikhil and his scout engaged the insurgents, drawing them into a prepared kill zone through superior fieldcraft and tactical manoeuvring. Despite heavy opposition, his exceptional marksmanship and courageous pursuit pinned down the adversaries. Demonstrating exemplary composure and precision, he identified and directly eliminated a high-priority insurgent target with accurate fire. The operation resulted in the neutralisation of two insurgent cadres, effectively thwarting the infiltration and dismantling key elements of the group’s leadership structure.

This successful mission not only prevented hostile elements from entering Indian territory but also underscored the Indian Army’s proactive posture in securing sensitive border regions. The citation highlights Major Nikhil’s “exceptional operational acumen and gallantry,” noting that his leadership and deep understanding of operational dynamics were instrumental in the outcome.

Service with 21 Para (Special Forces)

Lieutenant Colonel Nikhil belongs to 21 Para (SF), an elite formation with a storied legacy. Originally raised as the 21 Maratha Light Infantry, the battalion was redesignated as a Special Forces unit in 1996. It specialises in counter-insurgency operations, special reconnaissance, direct action, and unconventional warfare, particularly in the challenging environments of India’s northeastern region. Personnel of 21 Para (SF) are known in unit parlance as “Waghnakhs,” reflecting an aggressive yet precise operational ethos inspired by historical martial traditions. The unit has earned multiple citations for its contributions to national security, including operations along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Personal Background and Family

Lieutenant Colonel CVS Nikhil was born in Hyderabad. He lost his father, a civil surgeon, at a young age and was raised single-handedly by his mother, Dr. Laxmi Pinni, a practising gynaecologist. His personal journey reflects resilience and dedication, qualities that have defined his military service.

In 2016, he married Namrata Tiwari of Vadodara, Gujarat. Namrata is the daughter of retired Professor K.C. Tiwari, formerly of the Geology Department at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda’s Faculty of Science. Professor Tiwari has expressed profound pride in his son-in-law’s achievements, acknowledging the inherent risks of Special Forces service while noting the rigorous training that prepares officers for such challenges.

Namrata Tiwari is an accomplished professional in sustainable design and community development. She completed her schooling at Baroda High School, Alkapuri, and earned a BSc in Fashion Designing from MSU’s Faculty of Family and Community Sciences. She holds a Master’s degree in Apparel Designing and Merchandising from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, and a second Master’s in Sustainable Livelihoods from the Paris College of Arts. Currently, she collaborates with weavers and yak herders in four community-conserved villages in Western Arunachal Pradesh, working with Monpa and Brokpa communities to promote yak fibre utilisation and heritage weaving techniques for sustainable income generation. Her contributions have earned recognition, including selection as a top-eight finalist in the Fashion Values Challenge (Centre for Sustainable Fashion, UK, 2022), the People’s Choice Award under the UN SDSN Youth Solutions Innovation Readiness Program (2022), and top performer status in the Women Startup Programme at NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore (2023).

The Shaurya Chakra: Recognition of Valour

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Shaurya Chakra to Lieutenant Colonel Nikhil (then Major) during the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in May 2025. The award recognises acts of exceptional bravery and leadership in peacetime operations. Lieutenant Colonel Nikhil’s decoration highlights the quiet professionalism that characterises India’s Special Forces personnel, whose contributions often remain undisclosed for operational security reasons.

Significance and Legacy

Lieutenant Colonel CVS Nikhil’s achievement exemplifies the ethos of the Indian Army’s Special Forces: operating in silence, leading from the front, and delivering decisive results in the most demanding conditions. His success in neutralising a high-priority threat along the Indo-Myanmar border reinforces the effectiveness of intelligence-driven, precision operations in counter-insurgency efforts.

In an era of complex security challenges, officers such as Lieutenant Colonel Nikhil embody the highest standards of duty, courage, and sacrifice. Their service ensures the safety and sovereignty of the nation, often without public fanfare. The conferment of the Shaurya Chakra serves not only as personal recognition but also as a tribute to the collective dedication of the 21 Para (SF) and the broader Parachute Regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel CVS Nikhil continues to serve with distinction, inspiring future generations of soldiers through his example of professionalism and valour. His story reaffirms that India’s borders remain secure under the vigilant watch of its elite forces.