Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Major Abhilasha Barak on being awarded the prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025, describing the honour as recognition of her exemplary service and India’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister praised Major Barak’s achievements and highlighted her role as an inspiration for young Indians, particularly women aspiring to serve the nation and humanity.
Major Barak, the Indian Army’s first woman combat helicopter pilot, is currently serving as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in southern Lebanon.
The award was presented by António Guterres at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 5 in recognition of her outstanding efforts in promoting gender equality, empowering women and strengthening community engagement in conflict-affected areas.
Recognised for Empowering Women and Girls
According to the United Nations, Major Barak led extensive outreach initiatives benefiting more than 5,000 women and adolescent girls through education, healthcare and vocational training programmes aimed at supporting empowerment and post-conflict recovery.
Within six months of deployment, she reportedly conducted 539 gender-focused field activities, the highest number recorded within the mission, while also leading all-women patrols during periods of heightened tensions in southern Lebanon.
She also spearheaded the Lebanon Gender Initiative, an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to strengthen protection mechanisms for women and children. The platform enables confidential reporting of gender-based violence and provides access to helplines, grievance tracking systems, self-defence resources and educational materials.
In another notable achievement, her efforts helped 75 Lebanese women secure fully funded scholarships under India’s Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, offering professional training in fields such as renewable energy, finance and agri-entrepreneurship.
Third Indian Recipient of the Honour
Major Barak becomes the third Indian peacekeeper to receive the prestigious UN award, following Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, both of whom were recognised for their contributions during UN peacekeeping missions.
An alumna of the Officers Training Academy Chennai, Major Barak was commissioned into the Indian Army in September 2018 and comes from a military family. Her achievement adds another milestone to her distinguished career as a pioneering officer in the Armed Forces.
Recognition of India’s Peacekeeping Legacy
Congratulating Major Barak, Prime Minister Modi stated that the honour reflects not only her dedication and professionalism but also India’s enduring commitment to international peace and security through United Nations peacekeeping missions.
India remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, with more than 4,000 military and police personnel serving across various missions. The country has a proud history of participation in UN operations and has made significant contributions to peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts across the globe.
Major Abhilasha Barak’s recognition by the United Nations further strengthens India’s reputation in global peacekeeping and highlights the growing role of women officers in advancing peace, security and community development worldwide.
