Throughout 2023, women in the Indian defense forces have continued to shatter barriers, earning gallantry awards and assuming crucial roles in combat units. This year witnessed several women making historical strides, aligning with the Narendra Modi government's emphasis on gender inclusivity. To bolster inclusivity, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh endorsed extending maternity, child care, and adoption leave rules for women soldiers, sailors, and air warriors, equating their benefits with those of officer counterparts. Additionally, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar revealed that over 1,000 women Agniveers have joined the Indian Navy, marking a significant incorporation.
- Commander Prerna Deosthalee is poised to become the first woman to command the Indian Navy's Western Fleet, being the current First Lieutenant of INS Chennai.
- Group Captain Shaliza Dhami made history as the first female Air Force officer to lead a frontline combat unit, taking charge of a missile squadron in the western sector.
- Wing Commander Deepika Misra was honored as the first woman in the Indian Air Force to receive a gallantry award for her bravery during the Madhya Pradesh floods in 2021.
- Captain Shiva Chouhan marked a significant achievement as the first woman officer operationally deployed at Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield.
- The Indian Army welcomed its inaugural batch of Five Women Officers into the Regiment of Artillery, including Lt Mehak Saini, Lt Sakshi Dubey, Lt Aditi Yadav, Lt Pious Mudgil, and Lt Akanksha.
- Col Sunita of the Army Medical Corps took charge as the first woman to lead the Armed Forces Transfusion Centre at Delhi Cantt, the largest blood transfusion center.
- Captain Surbhi Jakhmola became the inaugural woman officer posted on foreign assignment with the Border Roads Organisation's Project Dantak in Bhutan.
- Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi assumed the role of Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Mizoram, being the first female Indian Armed Forces officer appointed to this position.
- Colonel Shuchita Shekhar assumed command of a Communication Zone Mechanical Transport Battalion within the Army Service Corps, responsible for the Northern Command's operational supply chain.
- Colonel Geeta Rana, a part of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, became the first woman officer to command an Independent Field Workshop in the remote Eastern Ladakh region.
These remarkable women have significantly contributed to breaking barriers and setting milestones across various branches of the Indian defense forces in 2023.
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