NEW DELHI: In a significant and emotional development, the Government of India has officially disclosed the names of six Indian armed forces personnel who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor for the first time. The names have now been inscribed at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and added to the memorial’s Roll of Honour, marking the first formal public acknowledgement of the military casualties suffered during the cross-border operation.
The disclosure comes more than a year after Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 7, 2025, following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, most of them tourists. During the operation, Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes on multiple terror-linked locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting infrastructure associated with terrorist organisations.
Six Fallen Heroes Recognised
The six personnel whose names have now been officially made public are:
- Subedar Major Pawan Kumar – Headquarters, 10 Infantry Brigade
- Rifleman Sunil Kumar (Vir Chakra) – 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry
- Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar – 5 Field Regiment
- Aviation Technician Mood Muralinaik – 851 Light Regiment
- Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh – 237 Field Workshop Company
- Sergeant Surendra Kumar (Vayu Medal) – 39 Wing, Indian Air Force
The inclusion of their names on the National War Memorial serves as a lasting tribute to their courage, sacrifice and service to the nation.
First Official Confirmation
Until now, the identities of the military personnel who died during Operation Sindoor had not been officially released by the government. Although reports had suggested casualties during the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025, there had been no formal confirmation.
The publication of the names on the National War Memorial’s Roll of Honour is regarded as the government’s first official acknowledgement of the armed forces personnel who laid down their lives during the operation.
Operation Sindoor Background
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorists killed 26 civilians. In retaliation, Indian armed forces conducted coordinated precision strikes on nine identified terror facilities located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The operation involved close coordination between different branches of the armed forces, demonstrating India’s integrated military capabilities. Military action continued for several days before both countries agreed to halt hostilities following discussions between their respective Directors General of Military Operations on May 10, 2025.
Army and Air Force Personnel Among the Fallen
The list of martyrs reflects the joint nature of Operation Sindoor, with personnel from both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force making the ultimate sacrifice during the mission.
Among those honoured are Rifleman Sunil Kumar, who was posthumously recognised with the Vir Chakra for gallantry, and Sergeant Surendra Kumar, who was awarded the Vayu Medal for his distinguished service and bravery. Their decorations underscore the exceptional courage displayed by the personnel involved in the operation.
National War Memorial Pays Tribute
The names of all six personnel have been engraved on Wall 3D in the 2025 section of the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Established in 2019 near India Gate, the memorial honours members of the Indian armed forces who have laid down their lives while serving the nation after Independence.
By adding the names of the six Operation Sindoor martyrs, the memorial now permanently records their sacrifice alongside thousands of other soldiers who have defended the country’s sovereignty.
A Lasting Legacy
The official recognition of the six fallen personnel closes an important chapter in the history of Operation Sindoor while ensuring that their sacrifices receive national acknowledgement. Their names will remain etched at the National War Memorial as a reminder of the bravery and commitment displayed by India’s armed forces in protecting the nation’s security.
The formal disclosure has also highlighted the contributions made by both Army and Air Force personnel during one of India’s most significant counter-terror military operations in recent years, ensuring that the memory of the six martyrs continues to inspire future generations.
