Current Context : Recently, seven senior military leaders were conferred with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) for their distinguished service and leadership during Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

ABOUT SARVOTTAM YUDH SEVA MEDAL (SYSM)

• Nature of Award: India’s highest wartime distinguished service honour.
• Purpose: Awarded for exceptional leadership during war, conflict, or hostilities.
• Prestige: Equivalent to Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), which is conferred for peacetime distinguished service.
• Rarity: Has been awarded only three times before (including during the Kargil War).

AWARDEES OF SYSM 2025

Indian Air Force (IAF) – 4 Recipients

• Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari
• Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor
• Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra
• Air Marshal A.K. Bharti

Indian Navy – 1 Recipient

• Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (Retd) – first Navy officer ever to receive SYSM.

Indian Army – 2 Recipients