May 26, 2026: The India Today Group proudly announces that its Executive Editor and senior Defence Correspondent, Manjeet Negi, has been conferred the prestigious Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Commendation Medal by General Anil Chauhan in recognition of his outstanding contribution to defence journalism and national-interest reporting.
Manjeet Negi is the only journalist in the country to receive the CDS Commendation Medal, a rare honour that underlines his fearless and distinguished reporting in the defence sector.
Before retiring on May 30, CDS General Anil Chauhan honoured several officers and soldiers from the three-armed forces with the CDS Commendation Medal. In addition to members of the armed forces, the CDS also recognised a select few individuals from different sections of society for their exceptional contribution in their respective fields, with Manjeet Negi being among those honoured.
With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, Manjeet Negi has consistently delivered impactful reportage on national security, strategic affairs and defence operations, earning widespread respect for his credibility, depth of reporting and commitment to public-interest journalism.
Over the course of his career, he has reported from some of the most challenging and sensitive locations, ranging from the world’s highest battlefield in Siachen to deep-sea submarines. From covering military tensions between India and China in Ladakh to reporting from conflict zones, disasters and strategic frontlines, Manjeet Negi has consistently been among the first journalists to reach the ground and bring critical stories to viewers across the country.
In 2025, Manjeet Negi was also awarded the Chief of the Air Staff Commendation Medal, further recognising his outstanding contribution to defence reporting.
Expressing his gratitude on receiving the honour, Manjeet Negi said, “Today is a very important day in my life. In my 25-year journalistic career, I have received the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation Medal as a Defence Correspondent. I express my heartfelt gratitude to CDS Gen Anil Chauhan ji. I also owe the blessings of my parents, family, my organisation the India Today Group, and all my friends who supported me every step of the way.”
