Wing Commander Surinder Mohan Bhatia was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 31 January, 1463. While serving as Engineer Officer of a Transonic Fighter Squadron he was commended twice by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command for his outstanding work in the Squadron. During the 1971 Operations, he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff for distinguished service. Subsequently, he was posted as the Squadron Technical Officer of a Supersonic Fighter Squadron, where he earned commendation by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command for the high standard of aircraft maintenance.

Later, the officer was selected for a postgraduate course in Aircraft Propulsion at IIT, Bombay, from 1976 to 1978. He passed out with distinction and stood first in the course. After post-graduation, he was posted to a Base Repair Depot, where he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff for achieving an ambitious target of aircraft overhaul.

After the successful completion of his training abroad he was posted to Air Headquarters in 1980 and was entrusted with the maintenance planning connected with the induction of the latest type of aircraft and weapons system. The officer toiled ceaselessly with a determined bid to ensure smooth induction of the latest type of strike aircraft in the Indian Air Force. In the shortest possible period, a few Squadrons have become fully, Operational.

For his exceptional professional ability, effectiveness in management of resources and devotion to duty of a very high order, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Surinder Mohan Bhatia.