Operation Sindoor overview
Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals 2025 Honouring Exceptional Wartime Service: On 7 May 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor following the terror strike in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead. The attack was attributed to Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the mission focused on neutralising camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The armed response dismantled cross-border terror infrastructure while strengthening security across the Line of Control (LoC). The operation highlighted India’s growing capability for precision warfare and coordinated multi-branch action.
Static GK fact: The LoC was formally drawn between India and Pakistan after the 1972 Simla Agreement.
Importance of the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal
The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) represents the highest wartime award for distinguished service in India. It honours extraordinary command and leadership during wars, conflicts, and hostile engagements.
In prestige, it is placed on par with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, which is reserved for outstanding service in peacetime. The SYSM has been a rare distinction, having been conferred only on three occasions prior to 2025, including the Kargil War of 1999.
Static GK Tip: Lt. Gen. Premindra Singh Bhagat was the first officer to receive the SYSM in 1980.
Recognition of the Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) dominated the list of honourees in 2025, with four officers receiving the award. They included Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, and Air Marshal A.K. Bharti.
The IAF spearheaded precision strikes against nine terror camps and multiple Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan and Rahim Yar Khan. With the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), the IAF ensured seamless coordination of operations.
It also countered drone swarms that targeted civilian and religious areas, employing Akash missile systems along with legacy defence equipment, underscoring India’s readiness in both modern and conventional defence technology.
Navy’s landmark achievement
For the first time in history, a Navy officer was decorated with the SYSM. Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (Retd) led the Western Naval Command during the operation.
The Navy mobilised its Carrier Battle Group, supported by MiG-29K fighter jets, early-warning helicopters, and submarines, in the Arabian Sea. These manoeuvres curtailed Pakistani air operations and reflected India’s enhanced maritime strike capability.
Static GK fact: INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant form the backbone of India’s aircraft carrier fleet.
Strategic outcome
Operation Sindoor weakened cross-border terror networks and highlighted the effective joint functioning of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Pakistan initially resisted dialogue but later sought a halt to hostilities, indirectly validating the mission’s effectiveness.
The 2025 conferment of the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals symbolised India’s ability to deliver a decisive military response while recognising outstanding leadership in integrated defence operations.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals 2025 Honouring Exceptional Wartime Service:
| Topic | Detail |
| Date of Operation Sindoor | 7 May 2025 |
| Reason for launch | Pahalgam terror attack killing 26 civilians |
| Primary objective | Destroy terror camps in Pakistan and PoK |
| Group behind attack | Lashkar-e-Taiba |
| India’s top wartime service award | Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal |
| Equivalent peacetime award | Param Vishisht Seva Medal |
| SYSM recipients in 2025 | 7 officers |
| IAF awardees | Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Nagesh Kapoor, Jeetendra Mishra, A.K. Bharti |
| Navy’s historic awardee | Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (Retd) |
| Technology aiding IAF | Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) |
