India Salutes Its Heroes With Esteemed ‘Chakra’ Awards

At the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-I), President Droupadi Murmu presented six Kirti Chakras—including four posthumous—and 33 Shaurya Chakras—including seven posthumous—to personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and State/UT Police. The event took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, and celebrated acts of exceptional courage and sacrifice.
The Ministry of Defence stated that these awards recognised individuals who showed extraordinary bravery and selflessness during high-risk operations, particularly in counter-terror and counter-insurgency missions across Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East. Several militants were neutralised or captured, with arms and ammunition recovered in the process.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, present at the ceremony, commended the awardees in a post on X, conveying India’s enduring gratitude to the armed forces for their bravery and dedication. Indian Navy officers were recognized for their leadership in anti-piracy operations that resulted in pirate surrenders and the safe rescue of hostages, along with their heroic actions in extinguishing a fire aboard a blazing oil tanker.
Indian Air Force personnel were recognised for their heroic actions during critical aircraft rescues, maneuvering away from populated areas to prevent civilian casualties.
CRPF officers were awarded for their role in operations in Left-Wing Extremism-affected zones, where Maoist insurgents were apprehended and weapons seized.