Squadron Leader Anand Jaivanth Rao was one of the senior pilots of the Cheetah task force responsible for the initial induction of troops into Siachen Glacier during an operational exercise. He was one of the first aircraft to carry out initial reconnaissance of glacier, prior to the induction of the task force. On 13 Apr 84, he carried out induction of troops at an unprepared, unmarked and snowbound helipad, located at an elevation of about 17,000 ft. Thereafter, he continued to carry out similar operational sorties for 20 days at a stretch and inducted troops. He was the first pilot to explore and land at the site of the planned Assault Camp. With great tenacity for hard work, judgment and a very high sense of responsibility, he carried out a number of missions in the glacier area under most difficult and treacherous flying environment where minor errors could lead to disaster.

Sqn Ldr Rao was also detailed as the leader of the task force to undertake the salvage operations of two Cheetah Helicopters from a crash site to the Assault Camp. It was an exacting operation involving underslung flying, which he conducted with utmost speed and safety. He completed the retrieval of all aircraft parts well ahead of the planned schedule and undertook 43 sorties for the purpose. Flying for this task was invariably at the limits of performance of the aircraft.

During the exercise "Meghdoot" he flew over a hundred missions in the Siachen glacier under all types of weather conditions.

For his remarkable grit, determination and professional competence of an exceptional order displayed by him during this operational exercise and also in earlier similar missions in his flying career, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Anand Jaivanth Rao.