In a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu posthumously honoured Captain Deepak Singh, a courageous son of Uttarakhand, with the Shaurya Chakra.
Defence officials confirmed that Captain Singh, from the 48 Rashtriya Rifles, was killed in action during an operation in Assar, Doda, in August 2024.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid heartfelt tributes, offering deep condolences to the family and highlighting Captain Singh’s extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.
“In August 2024, during an encounter with terrorists, despite being injured, he showed unmatched courage and attained martyrdom while protecting the nation till his last breath. The military land of Uttarakhand is proud of this brave son,” Dhami said on Twitter (X).
During the Phase-I Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, President Murmu also conferred six Kirti Chakras, including four posthumously, and 33 Shaurya Chakras, including seven posthumously, to personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/Union Territory Police, according to an official Ministry of Defence statement.
The gallantry awards recognised acts of raw courage, exceptional bravery, and total disregard for personal safety in the line of duty. These honours were awarded for operations related to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East. The statement noted that "dreaded terrorists were neutralised & apprehended during these operations, and arms & ammunition were recovered."
Indian Navy officers were also recognised for leading anti-piracy missions, securing the surrender of pirates, rescuing hostages, and demonstrating bravery during firefighting operations on a burning oil tanker.
Officers of the Indian Air Force were honoured for their utmost courage in life-threatening situations while rescuing aircraft and manoeuvring them away from civilian areas to prevent loss of life and property.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers received awards for gallant acts in operations against Left-Wing Extremism, where Maoist insurgents were apprehended and weapons seized.