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In a significant announcement made on the eve of Republic Day, the President has awarded two Kirti Chakras and ten Shaurya Chakras to personnel from the Indian Army and Navy, including one posthumous honor. Alongside these top bravery awards, the list of honors includes one Army Medal for bravery and 44 additional Army Medals for valor, five of which were awarded posthumously. Long service and leadership have also been acknowledged, with 19 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, four Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, 35 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, seven Yudh Seva Medals, two Army Medals for distinguished service, 43 Army Medals for exceptional service, and 85 medals for distinguished service. Furthermore, 81 commendations have been approved for personnel involved in long-term and high-risk operations, including Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Hifazat, Operation Orchid, and Operation Meghdoot.

Kirti Chakra: Established in 1952, the Kirti Chakra is India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, recognizing extraordinary bravery or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. Major Arshdeep Singh of the 1 Assam Rifles was honored with the Kirti Chakra for his courageous actions during a perilous patrol along the India-Myanmar border on May 14, 2025. His team came under sudden and unprovoked heavy fire from terrorists positioned on a prominent hill. Instead of retreating, Major Singh led a direct assault up the hill amidst ongoing gunfire, personally neutralizing several armed terrorists, including one equipped with a rocket launcher. His decisive leadership prevented further escalation and ensured the mission was completed without casualties among his troops.

Shaurya Chakra: This award recognizes acts of bravery that have changed outcomes. The Shaurya Chakra is India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, honoring both military personnel and civilians for their courage and self-sacrifice. This year's awardees include soldiers involved in anti-terrorism operations spanning from the India-Myanmar border to Kashmir and the Northeast. Lieutenant Colonel Ghatage Aditya Shrikumar of the 21 Para Special Forces was awarded for planning and leading a surgical strike between July 11 and 13, 2025, which destroyed a fortified terrorist camp and eliminated nine armed cadres, including senior leaders of an anti-national group.

The naval bravery awards highlight that courage extends beyond the battlefield. Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Rupa A were awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their historic maritime journey aboard INS Tarini from October 2024 to May 2025, covering over 25,600 nautical miles through some of the world's most treacherous waters. During a complete electrical failure in the Pacific Ocean, they manually operated the vessel. The boat nearly capsized in the perilous Drake Passage, but their skilled navigation brought it under control. This journey also marked the first time Indians reached Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth, using a sailing vessel.