Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 29: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presented 105 Distinguished Service Decorations to personnel of the Armed Forces and the Indian Coast Guard during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recognising their exceptional service, leadership and contributions to national security.
The awards were conferred on officers from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard for distinguished service of the highest order. According to the Ministry of Defence, the honours comprised seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 12 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals.
Among the prominent awardees were Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti and Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, who played key leadership roles during Operation Sindoor.
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, who served as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during the operation, was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his distinguished operational leadership. An officer of the Kumaon Regiment, he was serving at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) during the mission.
Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, a decorated fighter pilot, also received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for his contribution to the Indian Air Force's operations during Operation Sindoor. During one of the military briefings following the operation, the Air Marshal had drawn attention by quoting verses from the Ramcharitmanas to underline India's resolve in dealing with security challenges.
The President also conferred the Param Vishisht Seva Medal on Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who assumed office as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff on May 31, 2026, in recognition of his distinguished service to the Indian Navy.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and scheduled to take over as the next Chief of the Army Staff from June 30, was awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his operational leadership and service.
Among the recipients of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal were Surgeon Vice Admiral Vivek Hande, who was serving as Surgeon Rear Admiral at the time of the award, and Indian Coast Guard Additional Director General Donny Michael, whose contributions to maritime security and service were recognised during the ceremony.
Other recipients of the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal included Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, retired Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh, retired Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari and Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra.
The Defence Investiture Ceremony is one of the country's highest military honours events, recognising outstanding leadership, distinguished service and exceptional dedication by personnel across India's defence services and the Coast Guard in safeguarding the nation's security and strategic interests.