Indian Army to Honour Operation Pawan Martyrs After 38 Years

India to Hold First-Ever Official Tribute for Operation Pawan Martyrs After 38 Years

For the first time since the end of Operation Pawan , the Indian Army will formally honour the soldiers who lost their lives during the mission carried out in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990. The operation involved deployment of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord and stands as one of India’s costliest military engagements overseas, with 1,171 troops killed and over 3,500 injured .

Mission Timeline and Strategic Objective

Operation Pawan was initiated to restore peace and disarm militant organisations, particularly the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) . While the accord intended to stabilise relations between Tamil groups and the Sri Lankan government, LTTE resistance led to extensive warfare. Troops operated under extreme jungle conditions, facing landmines, guerrilla warfare and urban ambushes. Despite tactical challenges, Indian forces remained committed to peace enforcement until withdrawal in 1990.

Recognising Long-Ignored Sacrifice

The mission witnessed immense bravery, including the valorous act of Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran , who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for leading a counter-attack despite fatal injuries. However, for decades, there was no national remembrance for Operation Pawan’s martyrs, with only informal observances held by veterans' groups. Interestingly, Sri Lanka established a memorial earlier, even as India had not conducted an official ceremony until now.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Operation Pawan duration: 1987–1990

• Casualties: 1,171 Indian soldiers martyred

• Major R. Parameswaran awarded Param Vir Chakra (Posthumous)

• 2025 marks the first official Army-led commemoration