By Riffat Kausar
Snn News Finland
Government Breaks Silence on Casualties for the First Time
The Indian government has formally acknowledged six military personnel killed during Operation Sindoor, the cross-border strike mission launched in May 2025.
Their names have been officially added to the Roll of Honour at the National War Memorial in New Delhi marking the first public confirmation of armed forces casualties from the operation.
The six personnel honoured include members of both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, spanning multiple regiments and units across the country.
The Fallen Soldiers Named Officially
The government confirmed the following names:
- Subedar Major Pawan Kumar Headquarters 10 Infantry Brigade
- Rifleman Sunil Kumar, Vir Chakra 4 Jammu & 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
Their names are now permanently engraved at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.
Indian forces struck nine terror-linked targets inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeting infrastructure associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Military action was halted on May 10, 2025, following diplomatic talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of both countries.
Army Chief Who Led Operation Sindoor Retires With Full Honours
General Upendra Dwivedi, the 30th Chief of Army Staff who oversaw Operation Sindoor, retired on June 30, 2026, after more than four decades of distinguished service.
A ceremonial Guard of Honour was held at South Block Lawns, New Delhi. He also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial before departing office.Home
In his final address, General Dwivedi described his service as the “greatest privilege” of his life, praising the Indian Army’s growing tri-service integration demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
General Dhiraj Seth Takes Command as 31st Army Chief
General Dhiraj Seth officially assumed charge as the 31st Chief of Army Staff on June 30, 2026, succeeding General Dwivedi through a formal, ceremonial handover.
General Seth is expected to continue the modernisation agenda, with a focus on joint operations, technology integration, and theatre-oriented warfare priorities established during General Dwivedi’s tenure.
Significance of the Official Casualty Disclosure
The formal acknowledgement of Operation Sindoor casualties is being seen as a significant step toward transparency in military reporting.
Families of the fallen soldiers have been officially recognised, and their sacrifices are now permanently part of India’s national military record.
“Operation Sindoor”Your previous report on May 2025 Pahalgam terror attack
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