More than a year after Operation Sindoor, India has officially honoured six courageous soldiers whose sacrifice remained away from the public eye until now. Their names have been added to the Roll of Honour at the National War Memorial, ensuring that their bravery will forever be remembered by the nation they died protecting.
The Government of India has, for the first time, publicly released the identities of six Indian Armed Forces personnel who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor, the military campaign launched in response to the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 2025.
Their names will now be permanently engraved on the Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, a tribute reserved for India's finest heroes who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The Six Heroes of Operation Sindoor
The nation proudly salutes these brave warriors:
- Subedar Major Pawan Kumar – Indian Army
- Rifleman Sunil Kumar – Indian Army (Posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra)
- Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar – Indian Army
- Agniveer Murali Naik – Indian Army
- Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh – Indian Army
- Sergeant Surendra Kumar – Indian Air Force (Posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal)
Five belonged to the Indian Army, while one served with the Indian Air Force. Though several had already been honoured individually for gallantry, this marks the first official public recognition of all six as martyrs of Operation Sindoor.
Why Was Operation Sindoor Launched?
The operation was India's direct military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April 2025, where terrorists opened fire on innocent civilians in Jammu & Kashmir's Baisaran Valley.
The attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, making it one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in recent years. Investigations linked the attackers to Pakistan-based terror organisations, including affiliates of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
India responded decisively.
In the early hours of 7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes on multiple terrorist launch pads and infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoK).
The operation lasted nearly four days and reportedly destroyed several terror facilities while eliminating over 100 terrorists.
Pakistan retaliated with heavy shelling, drone attacks, and cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, leading to intense military engagements before a ceasefire was reached on 10 May 2025.
The Stories Behind the Heroes
Subedar Major Pawan Kumar
A veteran soldier from Shahpur, Himachal Pradesh, Subedar Major Pawan Kumar was serving at Headquarters, 10 Infantry Brigade and was associated with the 25 Punjab Regiment.
Only a few months away from retirement, he voluntarily chose a forward deployment instead of a peaceful posting. He was killed during Pakistani shelling in the Poonch sector and was cremated with full military honours in his native village.
His decision to continue serving on the frontlines until his last breath reflects the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
Rifleman Sunil Kumar – Vir Chakra Awardee
Serving with the 4th Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, Rifleman Sunil Kumar displayed extraordinary courage during intense enemy firing on 7 May 2025.
Ignoring his own safety, he stepped out of cover to shield his fellow soldiers and continued fighting until he made the supreme sacrifice.
For his exceptional bravery, he was posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award.
His parents received the honour during the Defence Investiture Ceremony in June 2026.
Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar
Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar served with the 5 Field Regiment of the Indian Army.
Though fewer operational details have been officially released, his inclusion in the Roll of Honour confirms his sacrifice during the intense combat operations of Operation Sindoor.
Agniveer Murali Naik
Only 23 years old, Agniveer Murali Naik hailed from the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.
The only son of his parents, he had joined the Army under the Agnipath Scheme in 2023.
Serving with the 851 Light Regiment (Artillery), he was killed during cross-border shelling along the Line of Control.
His funeral was attended by thousands, symbolising the pride and grief of an entire nation.
Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh
Hailing from Bihar, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh served in the 237 Field Workshop Company.
He sustained severe injuries during Operation Sindoor and fought for his life before succumbing on 6 June 2025 at the Command Hospital in Udhampur.
A decorated soldier, he had earlier been awarded the Sena Medal for his distinguished service.
Sergeant Surendra Kumar – Vayu Sena Medal Awardee
The only Indian Air Force personnel among the six, Sergeant Surendra Kumar, served as a Medical Assistant with 39 Wing.
On 10 May 2025, while providing lifesaving medical support to troops deployed in the RS Pura sector, he lost his life during enemy action.
He was posthumously honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal, recognising his courage and devotion beyond the call of duty.
A Permanent Place in India's Military History
The names of these six bravehearts are now being engraved on Wall 3D of the Tyag Chakra at the National War Memorial under the 2025 Roll of Honour.
This is far more than a ceremonial inscription.
It represents the nation's official acknowledgement that these soldiers gave everything in defence of India's sovereignty during one of the country's most significant military operations in recent years.
For their families, this recognition brings long-awaited national acknowledgement.
For every Indian, it serves as a reminder that the security we enjoy comes at an immeasurable price.
The Legacy of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's willingness to respond decisively against cross-border terrorism through precision military action.
While the operation successfully dismantled terrorist infrastructure and reaffirmed India's strategic resolve, it also highlighted the immense sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform.
Every successful military operation has stories of courage that often remain untold.
The official recognition of these six soldiers ensures their names will now stand alongside thousands of other heroes who have defended India since Independence.
India Remembers Its Heroes
As their names become a permanent part of the National War Memorial, the legacy of Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Agniveer Murali Naik, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh, and Sergeant Surendra Kumar will continue to inspire future generations of soldiers and citizens alike.
Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder that the freedom and security of the nation are safeguarded every day by brave hearts willing to pay the ultimate price.
The nation salutes these six heroes of Operation Sindoor. Their courage, duty, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Read more:
Operation Sindoor: India’s Precision Strike Against Terrorism in Pakistan
Operation Sindoor: Strategic Objectives and Outcomes of India's Precision Strikes
