Captain Shubham Gupta was an officer of the Indian Army and a commando of 9 Para (Special Forces), one of the Army's elite Special Forces units. He was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2018 and initially served in the Corps of Signals before volunteering for the demanding Special Forces selection and subsequently joining 9 Para (Special Forces).
Born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Captain Gupta came from a family with a strong connection to public service. He grew up in the Taj Ganj area of Agra and was known for his determination to serve in the Armed Forces. After completing his military training and earning his place in the Special Forces, he served in Jammu & Kashmir in counter-terrorism operations.
In November 2023, 9 Para (Special Forces) was deployed in the Rajouri sector. Captain Gupta was part of a joint counter-terrorism operation involving Army elements and the Jammu & Kashmir Police in the Gulabgarh/Kalakote forest area of Rajouri.
On 22 November 2023, troops came under heavy fire from terrorists occupying a concealed position in difficult forested terrain. Captain Gupta moved forward with his team to engage the terrorists and support the tactical assault. He was critically wounded during the firefight but continued to lead and direct his men before succumbing to his injuries.
Captain Shubham Gupta made the supreme sacrifice at the age of 28. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were subsequently recognised with the posthumous award of the Sena Medal in 2024.