Squadron Leader Surinder Singh Bains was one of the senior pilots on task force of Cheetah helicopters, which were deployed for the induction of troops during Operation "Meghdoot".

Sqn Ldr Bains carried out forty sorties involving 42 hours of flying under the most hazardous flying environments. Flying over uncharted expanse of the Siachen glacier, the world's largest glacier, located in the midst of towering mountains, Sqn Ldr Bains was in the first helicopter to select the landing sites at the strategic passes. These sites were located at heights above 17000 feet and at untried places.

It was a display of rare skill and courage of the highest order by Sqn Ldr Bains, considering that the area of operation was devoid of any sort of reference points and completely covered with ice and snow only. To make these sorties an exacting trial of his flying skill, there was the uncertainty about the firmness of touch-down spot blurred by the churning-up of snow caused by the down wash during landing. Besides, the ambient and in-flight temperature ranged between -20°C and -30°C most of the time.

He was the first pilot to land the troops on two different helipads on 13 Apr 84, during these missions, in the face of hostile activity.

Sqn Ldr Bains not only operated his helicopter with skill and confidence, but also trained other junior pilots in such exacting operations, and thus ensured that the maximum load was lifted in each sortie.

For his courage, professional competence and pioneering spirit combined with indomitable will displayed by him during this operation, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Surinder Singh Bains.