Page 28 - NIS ENGLISH 1-15 May, 2026

New India and
Women-led
Leadership
Cover Story
Leadership and Respect

When two women officers, Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, addressed the nation
about ‘Operation Sindoor’, it was not just a mission update; it was a moment that reflected the spirit of a changing
India. This moment inspired the entire country and clearly showcased the growing influence of ‘Nari Shakti’ .

Armed Forces – Sainik n Female officers are now serving in to the United Nations
Schools Now Open for key leadership positions such as Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
from 2007 to 2016.
lieutenant general, fighter pilot, and
Girls’ Admission unit commander. n In alignment with the UN
n The induction of female cadets n Women are being granted permanent Gender Parity Strategy,
into the National Defence commissions across 12 departments which aims to achieve 15%
Academy commenced in 2022. and services. female representation in
military contingents and
n Women are now eligible for n Significant progress has been 25% in staff officer or
permanent commissions in the made regarding the induction of observer roles by 2028,
Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. women into the National Defence India has already achieved
Academy (NDA), with 17 female
n Over the past 10 years, the cadets graduating in May 2025 22% representation in the
number of female officers in and 15 female cadets graduating in staff officer and observer
the Indian Army has increased November 2025. categories.
fourfold.
n For the first time, on the occasion of
Women in the the 75th Republic Day, an all-women 154+ Indian women
Indian Army contingent comprising personnel were deployed in
from all three services marched along six United Nations
11,000 the Kartavya Path. Furthermore, peacekeeping
missions till mid-
The Indian India takes pride in being the first 2025.
2026
country in the world to deploy
3,000 Army is being an all-women police unit for a
strengthened by
2014
‘Nari Shakti’. peacekeeping mission—specifically

Women Pilots

15%
India
Global
Average 5%

India is ahead of even
Ireland (9.9%) and
the US (5.5%) in this
sector.

On January 26, 2026, Assistant Commandant Simran Bala created history by leading a male CRPF contingent
26public Day Parade. For the first time, a female officer commanded a male contingent of the CRPF.
in the Re NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || May 01-15, 2026