In a significant development showcasing the growing role of women in the Indian Army, around 60% of women commanding officers (COs) are currently leading units in operational areas, including forward locations in the Northern and Eastern Commands, which are responsible for guarding India’s borders. This marks a major milestone in the army’s journey toward gender parity and inclusivity.
Over the past two years, the Indian Army has approved more than 145 women for promotion to the rank of colonel since opening command roles to them. Of these, approximately 115 women officers are actively heading their units, with more expected to be assigned in the near future. According to officials, 15 more women officers will soon be taking on command roles, further reinforcing the army’s commitment to integrating women into leadership positions.
Challenges and Controversies
While the induction of women into command roles represents a significant shift in the army’s structure, it has not been without its challenges. Recently, an internal communication by a senior officer regarding the performance of eight women officers in the eastern sector was leaked, raising concerns about perceptions within the force. The controversial letter highlighted alleged issues faced by units under the leadership of women COs, including concerns about officer management, entitlement, empathy, ambition, and complaints. This has sparked discussions on both the opportunities and obstacles faced by women officers in the army.
The letter, written last October by Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri, the then-commander of the 17 Corps, was addressed to Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari. It cited an internal review conducted by the Panagarh-based mountain strike corps, focusing on the challenges encountered by women in command roles. The leak of this letter has drawn widespread attention, prompting further discussions on the army’s gender integration policies and the need to address any institutional biases.
A Step Towards Gender Parity
The move to assign women to command roles stems from a Supreme Court order issued in 2023, directing the army to grant women equal opportunities outside the medical stream. Following the ruling, a special selection board was conducted in February 2023, leading to the promotion of 108 women officers to the select-grade rank of colonel. This was a historic moment for women in the armed forces, as it marked their formal entry into command assignments within select branches, acknowledging their competence and leadership capabilities.
One such remarkable example is Colonel Ponung Doming, a woman commanding officer who has earned recognition for her outstanding service. Last month, she was honored with the Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) for her exemplary leadership in constructing a high-altitude road in Ladakh’s Demchok sector, a crucial connectivity project for the military’s farthest outposts, including Fukche, which lies merely three kilometers from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Her unit also played a pivotal role in upgrading the Nyoma advanced landing ground near the LAC, transforming it into a fully operational fighter base.
Women in Command: A Future Perspective
The deployment of women in operational areas signifies a transformational change in the Indian Army’s approach toward gender inclusivity. While their roles in forward locations highlight their growing acceptance within the force, it is imperative to ensure that they receive adequate support, fair assessments, and unbiased opportunities to prove their capabilities. The recent controversy surrounding the leaked letter also indicates the need for cultural shifts within the institution to embrace this change wholeheartedly.
As more women officers step into leadership positions, their contributions in both combat and operational roles will continue to redefine the narrative of women in the Indian armed forces. The integration of women into higher command roles is not just a step toward equality but also a strategic move toward harnessing a diverse and competent leadership pool to strengthen India’s defence forces.
