It was awarded in recognition of the services of Armed Forces personnel and civilians in Operation Parakram.

[1] The President instituted this medal for recognition of the services of Armed Forces personnel and civilians in the Operation Parakram on 13 December 2001.

It has the map of India and inscription “OPERATION PARAKRAM” embossed both in Hindi and English along the rim.

The riband 32 mm in width with three equal parts of Blue, Olive Green and Sand colour, starting right to left.

Olive Green and Sand Colour parts are separated by a red stripe of 2mm in width[1]