In the first, Center releases names of six soldiers killed in Operation Sindoor: Here’s what we know | Today’s news
The Center on Friday officially released the names of six Indian soldiers who lost their lives in action during Operation Sindoor in May last year for the first time, Hindustan Times reported.
In May, India conducted Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military campaign targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, in which at least 26 people were shot dead by terrorists.
The names of the six personnel were published on the National War Memorial website under the Roll of Honor section and were inscribed at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, making it the first official public recognition of the casualties suffered by the Indian Armed Forces during the operation.
Who were the six soldiers killed during Operation Sindoor?
The martyrs include Major Subedar Pawan Kumar of HQ 10 Infantry Brigade, Gunner Sunil Kumar, Vir Chakra of 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar of 5 Field Regiment, Aviation Engineer Mood Muralinaik of 851 S37 Regiment, 851 and Light Regiment Sunil Workshop, Havildar 2nd Sergeant Surendra Kumar, Vayu Medal, of 39. wings.
The names of fallen soldiers are inscribed on the memorial’s 3D wall in Section 2025, which is dedicated to personnel who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
The center reveals the death toll
The disclosure is the first time the government has officially revealed the identity of the personnel who lost their lives and admitted casualties in the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor. This was despite widespread reports and speculation of military casualties during the four-day military confrontation.
According to the report, the names of the six personnel indicate that both the Indian Army and Air Force suffered casualties, underscoring the coordinated and joint nature of the military operation.
Operation Sindoor
India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of 6–7 May 2025, weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, including one Nepalese national.
Indian armed forces have carried out precision strikes on nine terror launch pads in Pakistan and PoK, targeting infrastructure linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The two sides agreed to halt military actions after four days on May 10 following talks between the directors general of military operations of the two countries.
Operation Sindoor emphasized defensive capabilities: Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said the self-reliant country is better equipped to maintain its economic stability, adding that Operation Sindoor highlighted how indigenous defense capabilities are integral to enhancing the nation’s operational readiness and strategic effectiveness, PTI reported.
Murmu made the remarks while addressing a group of Military Engineering Services (MES) officer trainees who challenged the President. She added that in today’s world, which is marked by conflicts and geopolitical tensions, self-reliance has become a key necessity for nations.
“This was evident during Operation Sindoor, which highlighted how indigenous defense capabilities, advanced technology and a robust domestic industrial base are integral to enhancing a nation’s operational readiness and strategic effectiveness.”
