As India observed International Women’s Day, the armed forces showcase women’s role in defence, from frontline combat to top leadership. Women first earned Army commissions as doctors in 1958. Recent reforms widened entry: the first women cadets joined the NDA in 2022, and the Agnipath scheme now enrolls women as Agniveers. Their numbers have surged from about 3,000 in 2014 to over 11,000 today, reflecting sweeping change.
Leadership Roles for Women in Indian Army
Women are now reaching the highest ranks. Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair became the first woman Director General of Army Medical Services, and Col Ponung Doming was the first female officer to command a 15,000+ ft border outpost. Capt. Hansja Sharma made history as the Army’s first woman MI-25 “Rudra” helicopter pilot. Similar breakthroughs have occurred in the Navy and Air Force, reflecting a sea change in military leadership roles for women.
First Women Fighter Pilots
In the Air Force, Wing Cdr Bhawana Kanth became the first woman fighter pilot qualified for combat. Sqn Ldrs Avani Chaturvedi and Shivangi Singh soon followed, flying advanced jets (Singh is the IAF’s first female Rafale pilot). Even the Navy saw a first: Sub Lt Aastha Poonia joined the naval fighter stream. These milestones underscore the expanding combat roles open to women across India’s forces.
Women in UN Peacekeeping Missions
Indian women officers are earning laurels internationally. Maj. Swathi Shanthakumar won the UN Secretary-General’s 2025 Gender Award for her peacekeeping work in South Sudan, and Maj. Radhika Sen was named the UN’s Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2023. More than 150 Indian women serve in UN missions, helping India reach global gender goals (22% of its UN staff officers are women, above the 15% UN target).
Way Forward
The way forward emphasizes continued reforms and commitment to gender parity. The Army is increasing women’s NDA quotas and opening all combat branches, while equal-opportunity policies safeguard career progression. With these measures and the national “Nari Shakti” vision, India’s defence forces aim for steadily rising female participation and leadership in the years ahead.
