Arun Khetarpal: The youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee whose life influenced 'Ikkis'

Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal was just 21 when he was killed in action on December 16, 1971, during the Battle of Basantar in the Indo-Pakistan War. Gravely wounded inside his burning Centurion tank, Khetarpal refused repeated orders to withdraw, choosing instead to continue engaging advancing Pakistani armour. His final radio message — "No, Sir, I will not abandon my tank. My main gun is still working and I will get these bastards" — would later form part of the citation for India’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra, which he was awarded posthumously, becoming its youngest recipient.

More than five decades after his death, his story returns to public attention with Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis. The film stars Agastya Nanda as Arun Khetarpal alongside veteran actor Dharmendra (his last feature film). Ikkis released on Jan 1, 2026, and centres on the events leading up to the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 war.

Arun Khetarpal was born on October 14, 1950, in Pune, into a family with a long tradition of military service. His great-grandfather had served in the Sikh Khalsa Army and fought against the British, while his grandfather served in World War I. His father, M. L. Khetarpal, was an officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers and later retired as a Brigadier. The family originally hailed from Sargodha in present-day Pakistan and moved to India following Partition, settling in Delhi.

Khetarpal was educated at St. Columba’s School in Delhi and later at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, where he stood out both academically and in sports. Known for his leadership qualities from a young age, he went on to join the National Defence Academy in June 1967. During his time at the NDA, he was appointed Squadron Cadet Captain of Foxtrot Squadron, which went on to emerge champions under his leadership.

He later moved to the Indian Military Academy, where he carried the President’s Colours in his final term, an honour reserved for outstanding cadets. On June 13, 1971, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the 17 Poona Horse, one of the Indian Army’s most decorated armoured regiments.

Just months after his commissioning, war broke out between India and Pakistan. The 17 Poona Horse was deployed in the Shakargarh sector under the 47th Infantry Brigade, with the task of securing a bridgehead across the Basantar River, a strategically crucial tributary of the Ravi. The area ahead of the river was heavily mined, delaying the movement of Indian tanks even as Pakistani forces began preparing counter-attacks.

By the morning of December 16, Pakistani armour, led by Patton tanks of the 13th Lancers, launched repeated assaults to break through the Indian bridgehead. When 'B' Squadron of the Poona Horse came under intense pressure, Khetarpal, commanding a troop from 'A' Squadron, was ordered to move in support. On the way, he encountered enemy strongholds that were still holding out and charged them head-on, capturing Pakistani soldiers at pistol point to clear the route.

As the battle intensified, Khetarpal engaged enemy tanks at close range, destroying multiple Pattons despite being outnumbered. His tank was hit and set ablaze, yet he refused to abandon his position. Even after being wounded, he continued firing until a second hit proved fatal. His actions prevented the Pakistani forces from breaking through a critical sector of the front.

A ceasefire was declared the following day, December 17, 1971. Military accounts later noted that had the Pakistani armour succeeded at Basantar, the outcome of operations in the region could have been very different. Khetarpal was cremated near Samba, and his family was informed of his death days later. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi wrote personally to his parents, acknowledging his extraordinary courage and sacrifice.

Today, Khetarpal’s Centurion tank, Famagusta JX 202, is preserved at the Armoured Corps Centre and School in Ahmednagar. His legacy is honoured at the National Defence Academy, where the parade ground bears his name, and at the Indian Military Academy, where both an auditorium and a main gate commemorate him. His statue also stands at Param Yodha Sthal at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Arun Khetarpal’s story remains one of resolute courage of a young officer who chose duty over survival and, in doing so, etched his name permanently into India’s military history.

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