Saurabh Singh Shekhawat

India’s Most Decorated Serving Special Forces Officer

In the world of Indian special operations, few names command as much respect as Colonel Saurabh Singh Shekhawat. Widely regarded as one of India’s most decorated serving soldiers, the Indian Army officer is celebrated for exceptional battlefield courage, elite leadership, and decades of distinguished service in some of the world’s harshest combat environments.

An officer of the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), Colonel Shekhawat built his reputation through high-risk counter-terrorism, covert operations, and extreme-altitude missions. His career reflects the very ethos of India’s Special Forces—precision, endurance, and unwavering courage under fire.

His gallantry has been recognized with some of India’s highest military honours. He is a recipient of the Kirti Chakra (KC), India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, awarded for conspicuous bravery and extraordinary courage away from the battlefield. He also earned the Shaurya Chakra (SC) for another act of exceptional valor, placing him among a rare group of soldiers to receive multiple top-tier gallantry decorations. His distinguished operational leadership further earned him the Sena Medal, while his exceptional service to the nation was recognized with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).

Over a long and demanding career, Colonel Shekhawat served in some of India’s most challenging operational theatres. His medal group—including the Siachen Glacier Medal, High Altitude Service Medal, Operation Vijay Star, Operation Vijay Medal, and Operation Parakram Medal—reflects service in extreme mountain warfare, active military mobilizations, and critical national security operations. His service also extended beyond India’s borders, earning him the Videsh Seva Medal and the MONUSCO Medal for international peacekeeping contributions.

What truly distinguishes Colonel Shekhawat is not just the number of medals he wears, but what they represent: repeated exposure to danger, sustained excellence under pressure, and leadership in environments where failure is not an option. His career stands as a testament to the professionalism and fighting spirit of the Indian Army’s elite special operations community.

Colonel Saurabh Singh Shekhawat is more than a decorated soldier—he represents the modern Indian warrior: fearless, disciplined, and forged through relentless service to the nation.