Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Arun Khetarpal's Heroism in 1971 War
Arun Khetarpal was a young soldier in the Indian Army.
During the 1971 war with Pakistan, he fought bravely in a big battle called the Battle of Basantar.
He was in charge of tanks and stopped the Pakistani tanks from taking an important bridge.
Even when his own tank was on fire, he refused to leave and kept fighting.
His bravery helped India win the war and create Bangladesh.
He was awarded India's highest military medal for his courage.
A movie called 'Ikkis' has been made about his life.
Arun Khetarpal, a 21-year-old tank squadron commander, died in action on December 16, 1971, during the Battle of Basantar.
His bravery prevented the Pakistani Army from taking control of a key bridgehead and road to Jammu.
Khetarpal's actions led to a ceasefire the next day and contributed to India's victory in the 1971 war.
He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military medal for gallantry.
A film titled 'Ikkis' has been made about his life, starring Agastya Nanda and directed by Sriram Raghavan.
- Who
- Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, a tank squadron commander in the Indian Army's 17 Poona Horse armoured regiment.
- What
- Arun Khetarpal's bravery and sacrifice in the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
- When
- December 16, 1971.
- Where
- Battle of Basantar, near the Basantar river in North Punjab, India.
- Why
- To defend the Basantar bridgehead and prevent the Pakistani Army from gaining control of the road to Jammu.
- Name
- Arun Khetarpal
- Age at Death
- 21
- Unit
- 17 Poona Horse
- Battle
- Battle of Basantar
- Award
- Param Vir Chakra (posthumous)
- Date of Death
- December 16, 1971
- Film
- Ikkis
- Director
- Sriram Raghavan