In a momentous announcement on the eve of Independence Day, the President of India has conferred the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, the nation’s highest wartime distinguished service award, upon seven senior officers across the armed forces. Among them are four Indian Air Force (IAF) officers, marking a historic first: more Air Force leaders receiving this rare honor than any other service 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
Instituted on 26 January 1980, the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal is reserved for “distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war, conflict, or hostilities.” It stands as the wartime counterpart of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, which is awarded in peacetime. Only ten officers have ever received it—one during Operation,two during the Kargil War and seven now, following Operation Sindoor in 2025.
Legacy and Broader Implications
Historic Shift in Recognition: This year’s unprecedented dominance of Air Force leadership among SYSM awardees signals a decisive shift in how India values air power in modern warfare, placing it on par with, or even ahead of, other branches.
Elevating Multi-Domain Warfare: Operation Sindoor showcased seamless integration of air, land, and sea power. The IAF’s precision strikes, the Army’s decisive ground campaigns, and the Navy’s strategic maritime support collectively demonstrated India’s growing mastery of multi-domain operations.
National Sentiment: Each awardee stands as a symbol of courage, professionalism, and operational excellence. Air Marshal Bharti, in particular, captured public attention through confident and relatable media briefings, becoming the human face of the IAF during the conflict.
