President Droupadi Murmu conferred India’s prestigious Gallantry Awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 8 June 2026. The awards recognized exceptional acts of bravery by personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other security agencies.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Several personnel were awarded the Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and Vir Chakra for their courage in counter-terrorism operations, anti-insurgency missions, border security duties, aviation emergencies, maritime expeditions, and humanitarian rescue operations.
Among the notable awardees was Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of India’s selected Gaganyatris, who received the Kirti Chakra. Numerous soldiers and officers were also honoured for their bravery in operations across Jammu & Kashmir, the Northeast, and along India’s borders. Several gallantry awards were conferred posthumously in recognition of supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.
