President Confers Distinguished Service Awards at Defence Investiture Ceremony

President Droupadi Murmu conferred Distinguished Service Decorations on personnel of the Armed Forces and the Indian Coast Guard during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 29 and 30 June 2026. The awards included the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.

Distinguished Service Decorations

A total of 105 Distinguished Service Decorations were presented during the ceremony. The distribution included 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 12 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals.

Major Award Categories

The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal is awarded for distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war, conflict, or hostilities. The Param Vishisht Seva Medal is awarded for distinguished service of the most exceptional order, and the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal is awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order during operational service.

Notable Awardees

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai and Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on 30 June 2026 for their roles in Operation Sindoor. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff-designate, received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal on 29 June 2026, and Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Army Chief-designate, received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal on the same day.

Important Facts for Exams

• Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi is the official residence of the President of India.
• The Defence Investiture Ceremony is held to present military honours and distinguished service decorations.
• The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime security force under the Ministry of Defence.
• The Sena Medal is awarded for individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Presence of Dignitaries

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were present at the ceremony on 30 June 2026. Major General Mandeep Singh, General Officer Commanding of the White Tiger Armoured Division, received the Sena Medal on 29 June 2026.