FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Jan 26: As the nation prepared to celebrate Republic Day, the announcement of gallantry awards by President Droupadi Murmu once again brought the spotlight on India’s bravest.
While decorations such as the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra drew public attention, a quieter yet deeply respected military distinction—the Mention-in-Despatch (MiD)—also featured prominently in this year’s honours list.
In 2026, as many as 98 personnel from the armed forces were recognised with the Mention-in-Despatch, an honour that acknowledges acts of exceptional service often carried out far from the public gaze.
Among those cited were two senior intelligence officers whose recognition has sparked particular interest due to their association with the highly classified Operation Sindoor.
What is a Mention-in-Despatch?
In military parlance, a despatch is an official operational report submitted by a commanding officer to higher authorities, detailing the conduct and outcomes of a mission. When the name of an individual service member is formally included in such a report for displaying outstanding courage, professionalism or devotion to duty beyond normal expectations, it is recorded as a Mention-in-Despatch.
Unlike conventional gallantry awards, the Mention-in-Despatch does not come with a standalone medal. Instead, it is symbolised by a small lotus leaf insignia, worn on the ribbon of an existing service medal.
For wartime achievements, the emblem is affixed to the relevant war medal, while for peacetime operations it is worn on the General Service Medal. Though understated in appearance, the honour carries immense prestige within the armed forces.
Spotlight on Operation Sindoor
This year’s citations drew attention to Operation Sindoor, a mission described by defence observers as exceptionally sensitive. Two officers from the Intelligence and Field Security Units were recognised for their roles: Colonel Amit Kumar Yadav of the 615 Intelligence and Field Security Unit and Colonel Vinay Kumar Pandey of the 357 Intelligence and Field Security Unit.
Given their affiliation with the Intelligence Corps, analysts believe Operation Sindoor was a fully covert undertaking, likely involving deep intelligence penetration, counter-intelligence measures or strategic disruption in hostile or denied environments.
Such operations are often executed without direct combat, yet they carry significant risk and can have far-reaching strategic consequences.
Military experts note that intelligence officers usually operate behind layers of secrecy, making public recognition rare. A Mention-in-Despatch in such cases signals that the officer’s contribution was of exceptional operational value, even if the details of the mission remain classified.
Scope and eligibility
The Mention-in-Despatch can be awarded to personnel of all ranks across the Army, Navy and Air Force, including members of the Territorial Army and Reserve Forces. It is typically conferred for distinguished service during combat operations, counter-terrorism missions, high-risk rescue efforts or critical intelligence tasks. Importantly, the honour may also be awarded posthumously.
In 2026, five personnel received the Mention-in-Despatch after laying down their lives in the line of duty, underscoring the sacrifice often associated with such recognition.
Of the 98 recipients this year, the Indian Army accounted for 81, reflecting its extensive operational commitments. Personnel linked to major military engagements and long-running deployments—including Operation Rakshak, Operation Snow Leopard, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Sindoor—featured prominently in the list.
A legacy rooted in history
The tradition of Mention-in-Despatch dates back to the First World War, when British commanders submitted operational reports to authorities in London, and soldiers named in those communications earned special distinction.
After India gained Independence in 1947, the practice was retained but indigenised. The British oak leaf insignia was replaced with the lotus, India’s national flower, giving the honour a distinct national identity.
Today, the Mention-in-Despatch remains a powerful symbol of recognition for acts that may never be publicly detailed but are deeply valued within the military establishment. It stands as a reminder that not all heroism is visible—and that some of the most decisive contributions to national security are made quietly, beyond the glare of medals and ceremonies.
