In a landmark moment, the Indian Army has, for the first time, formally honoured the soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Pawan, India’s first large-scale overseas military mission conducted in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990. On Tuesday (November 25, 2025), Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi paid homage at the National War Memorial.
Army Chief General Dwivedi paid his respects to Param Vir Chakra awardee Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran and the 1,171 soldiers who laid down their lives during the IPKF (Indian Peace Keeping Force) operations. This marks a significant shift, as Operation Pawan has never previously received an official remembrance ceremony, despite its scale and sacrifice.
Without any formal recognition or ceremonial honour by the Army, only the families of those who had lost their kin and those who served in the operation themselves would privately mark the anniversary unitl now.
“In a solemn ceremony, General Upendra Dwivedi, laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, paying homage to the brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Pawan,” ADGPI said on X.
Operation Pawan: What was it and why is it being observed now?
Launcjed under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord of July 29, 1987, Operation Pawan involved sending nearly 100,000 Indian troops into Sri Lanka to disarm the LTTE and stabilise the Jaffna Peninsula. The mission soon escalated into intense counter-insurgency combat as the LTTE turned hostile.
To resolve the conflict both diplomatically and militarily, India had sent the IPKF to Sri Lanka. However, the fight turned ugly as several Tamil groups, including the LTTE, who had not been party to the talks, refused to disarm. The conflict was brutal with dense jungles, guerrilla tactics, and heavy casualties marking the operation.
1,171 Indian soldiers were martyred, over 3,500 were injured. Many families never received the remains of their loved ones due to the intensity of the fighting. For decades, veterans and families sought formal recognition. This year, the Army has finally acknowledged their long-overlooked sacrifice.
Operation Pawan: Who was Major Parameswaran, whose legacy stands out?
Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran of 8 MAHAR, honoured by General Dwivedi, remains one of India’s most iconic war heroes. 38 years ago on this very day, his column was ambushed while leading a search operation in Sri Lanka. Demonstrating extraordinary presence of mind, he outmanoeuvred the militants and led a decisive counter-assault.
He got shot in the chest during hand-to-hand combat but Major Parameswaran did not give up, instead he snatched the rifle from his attacker and neutralised him. Despite being mortally wounded, he continued leading his troops. A total of 5 militants were eliminated, enemy weapons recovered during his search ops.
For this unmatched courage, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra.
How did the Army honour Operation Pawan soldiers?
For the first time since the operation ended in 1990, the Indian Army held an official remembrance ceremony, with COAS General Upendra Dwivedi laying wreaths at the National War Memorial. Joining him in honouring the fallen, Major General Ashok K Mehta (Retd), Lieutenant Colonel Atul Kochar, MVC (Retd) and Mrs Uma Parameswaran, wife of Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran, PVC (Posthumous), also laid wreaths.
Moreover, several serving personnel, veterans and ladies were present during the event and paid their heartfelt tributes, standing in collective remembrance of the heroes and their indelible sacrifice.