President Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards for Indian Navy personnel on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, recognising acts of courage, professional excellence and distinguished conduct by naval personnel.
According to the Ministry of Defence list released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on August 14, 2026, one Indian Navy officer has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra, three personnel have been awarded the Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), while four naval personnel have been Mentioned-in-Despatches. The announcement forms part of the gallantry awards approved by the President on the eve of Independence Day 2026.
Shaurya Chakra
Lieutenant Commander Shivam Kumar has been awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India’s prominent peacetime gallantry decorations. The honour recognises conspicuous gallantry displayed in circumstances other than in the face of the enemy.
The award to Lt Cdr Shivam Kumar places him among the select Armed Forces personnel honoured with the Shaurya Chakra on the occasion of Independence Day 2026.
Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry)
Three Indian Navy personnel have been selected for the Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), an award presented for exceptional courage and devotion to duty during naval operations.
The recipients are:
- Commander Yuvraj Kumar
- Commander Vineet Sharma
- C Avinash Annaso, POA (FD)
The Nao Sena Medal is a naval decoration that may be awarded for gallantry as well as distinguished devotion to duty. In this Independence Day honours list, all three personnel have been recognised under the gallantry category.
Mention-in-Despatches
Four Indian Navy personnel have also been Mentioned-in-Despatches for noteworthy operational service and acts considered worthy of formal recognition.
The personnel are:
- Commander Nikhil Chugh
- Lieutenant Ajay Jose N Joseph
- Abhishek Dhanawade, Sea I (CD)
- Ashwin Santhosh, AVR Sea (CD)
A Mention-in-Despatches is an official recognition of commendable service or gallant action during military operations that merits being placed on record.
Indian Navy Gallantry Awards Independence Day 2026 – Full List
Shaurya Chakra: Lieutenant Commander Shivam Kumar
Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry): Commander Yuvraj Kumar, Commander Vineet Sharma and C Avinash Annaso, POA (FD)
Mention-in-Despatches: Commander Nikhil Chugh, Lieutenant Ajay Jose N Joseph, Abhishek Dhanawade, Sea I (CD), and Ashwin Santhosh, AVR Sea (CD)
The naval honours are part of the broader Independence Day 2026 gallantry awards announced for personnel of the Armed Forces. President Droupadi Murmu approved a total of 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous awards, along with 89 Mention-in-Despatches on the eve of the 80th Independence Day.
The recognition of these Indian Navy personnel highlights the courage, operational preparedness and commitment demonstrated by sailors and officers while undertaking demanding assignments in defence of the country and its maritime interests.
The awards will add to the distinguished service records of the recipients and reflect the Indian Navy’s tradition of recognising personnel who display exceptional bravery, professionalism and devotion to duty.
