New York, June 5, 2026: Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army, who was recently honoured with the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, was invited to India House in New York for a special reception hosted by India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish.
The reception was organised to celebrate Major Barak’s outstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping and her dedicated service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Her recognition marks another proud moment for India and the Indian Army, reaffirming the country’s strong commitment to gender-responsive peacekeeping and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Major Abhilasha Barak received the prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award during a formal ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters. The award was presented by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award recognises military peacekeepers who have shown exceptional leadership in promoting gender perspectives within peacekeeping missions. It honours those who work to ensure that the concerns, security needs and voices of women and girls are properly included in peacekeeping operations.
Following the award ceremony, Ambassador Harish hosted Major Barak at India House and congratulated her for bringing global honour to India. In his message, he praised her dedicated service in UNIFIL and described her achievement as a reflection of India’s enduring contribution to UN peacekeeping and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Major Barak’s achievement is especially significant as she continues the strong legacy of Indian peacekeepers being recognised at the highest level by the United Nations. She is the third Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious award, following Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen.
Major Suman Gawani was honoured with the 2019 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her service with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Major Radhika Sen later received the 2023 award for her work with the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With Major Abhilasha Barak’s recognition for 2025, India has once again demonstrated its leadership in promoting gender-inclusive peacekeeping.
Major Abhilasha Barak is also known as the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army. Her journey has been one of determination, professional excellence and trailblazing service. From breaking barriers in Army Aviation to serving in an international peacekeeping mission, she has emerged as an inspiring example for young women in uniform.
Serving with the Indian Battalion in Sector East of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon, Major Barak has been working as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point. In this role, she has played a crucial part in integrating gender perspectives into field operations, patrols, civil-military cooperation activities and community outreach initiatives.
Her work in Lebanon focused on understanding the specific concerns of women, girls and vulnerable groups in conflict-affected communities. Through regular interaction with local populations, she helped strengthen trust between peacekeepers and civilians while ensuring that the needs of women were properly heard and addressed.
During her deployment, Major Barak led several gender-focused field activities aimed at supporting women and girls in southern Lebanon. These activities included awareness programmes, health-related outreach, education support, vocational engagement and community-level interactions designed to empower local women.
One of the most notable aspects of her work was her ability to bring gender concerns into operational planning. By ensuring that peacekeeping activities were sensitive to the needs of women and children, she helped make military operations more inclusive, effective and community-oriented.
Her contribution also included sensitising fellow peacekeepers about gender-related issues. This helped improve the understanding of how conflict affects different sections of society in different ways, particularly women and girls who often face heightened risks in unstable regions.
Major Barak’s honour comes at a time when the United Nations continues to place strong emphasis on the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This agenda recognises that women must not only be protected in conflict situations but must also be included as active participants in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and recovery.
India has been one of the largest and most consistent contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. Indian peacekeepers have served in some of the world’s most difficult conflict zones and have earned respect for their discipline, professionalism and humanitarian approach.
The recognition of Major Abhilasha Barak adds another proud chapter to India’s long peacekeeping legacy. It also highlights the growing role of Indian women officers in global military and peacekeeping assignments.
Her invitation to India House in New York was not just a diplomatic honour but also a celebration of Indian women in uniform who are making their mark on the world stage. The event reflected national pride in an officer whose work has combined courage, compassion and professionalism.
Major Barak’s achievement is a reminder that peacekeeping is not limited to military presence alone. It also involves building trust, protecting vulnerable communities, supporting local populations and ensuring that peace efforts are inclusive and sustainable.
By winning the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, Major Abhilasha Barak has brought immense pride to the Indian Army and the nation. Her work in Lebanon stands as an inspiring example of how Indian peacekeepers continue to serve humanity beyond borders.
Her journey from becoming the Indian Army’s first woman combat helicopter pilot to being honoured by the United Nations reflects the changing face of India’s armed forces. It also shows how women officers are taking on critical roles in both national defence and international peacekeeping.
The special reception at India House served as a fitting tribute to her service and achievements. Major Abhilasha Barak’s recognition will continue to inspire countless young women who aspire to serve the nation in uniform and contribute to global peace.
