In a solemn and inspiring ceremony held at the iconic Manekshaw Centre, the Indian Army marked the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-1) by honoring its gallantry awardees a day after the national Gallantry Awards presentation at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
General Upendra Dwivedi, the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), along with Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), led the ceremony, personally interacting with recipients and their families. The event highlighted the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, and Other Ranks whose bravery has protected and inspired the nation.
“These gallant individuals are not only defenders of the nation but also symbols of the indomitable spirit that defines the Indian Army,” said General Dwivedi, who took over as COAS on June 30, 2024.
The ceremony was deeply rooted in military tradition and honor, serving as a platform to acknowledge acts of exceptional gallantry and dedication in the line of duty. The COAS emphasized that the heroic stories of the awardees will motivate future generations and reinforce the Army’s enduring values of selfless service and national pride. The ceremony also featured participation from senior officers, regimental representatives, and families of the awardees, providing a moment of reflection and national gratitude.
This year’s Investiture Ceremony was also marked by its alignment with broader institutional initiatives, particularly the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” (2023–2032) and the “Year of Tech Absorption,” in sync with the Ministry of Defence’s “Year of Reforms” in 2025. Under General Dwivedi’s leadership, the Army has intensified its focus on technological modernization, indigenous innovation, and strategic self-reliance—key elements of the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. These themes were reflected in the ceremony’s tone, which celebrated not only the past and present acts of valor but also the future-ready ethos of the Indian military.
Hosting the event at the Manekshaw Centre, named after Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the legendary architect of India’s 1971 victory in the Bangladesh Liberation War, added gravitas to the occasion. The venue stands as a living tribute to leadership, legacy, and sacrifice—ideals carried forward by the awardees honored today.
This event follows other key recognitions in 2025, including the Western Command Investiture Ceremony held on January 10, where 23 personnel were decorated for gallantry and distinguished service. These ceremonies collectively reinforce the Indian Army’s reputation for operational excellence, resilience, and modernization.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 stood not only as a celebration of gallantry but also as a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s evolving role as a pillar of national strength, innovation, and inspiration.
