Maj Arnav Bali, who belongs to Shimla, was conferred the Sena Medal (Gallantry) by the President of India on August 15, 2026. He displayed conspicuous bravery during intense counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir on September 8, 2025.
Maj Bali, serving with the 9 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), led a high-stakes counter-terrorism operation in the heavily forested terrain of Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. A joint task force comprising the Indian Army’s 9 RR and the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a Search and Destroy Operation following intelligence inputs about the presence of entrenched hardcore terrorists.
As the search columns closed in, terrorists hiding in well-concealed forest hideouts opened heavy fire on the security forces.
Maj Bali led his men from the front, maintaining tactical composure as they tightened the cordon and neutralised the imminent threat despite the heavy volume of incoming fire. The terrorists were eliminated.
However, during the intense close-combat exchange, the officer was critically wounded, sustaining two gunshot wounds in the gut area, with a bullet also lodging in his vertebrae. He subsequently recovered after prolonged hospitalisation and multiple medical operations.
The young company commander displayed heroism and leadership of the highest order, for which he has been recognised with this gallantry award. He is an alumnus of the local St Edward’s School.
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