India marks milestone as first women cadets join military officer ranks
The batch of 17 women cadets, who joined the NDA in August 2022 as part of the 148th Course, successfully completed their rigorous pre-commission training at their respective Service academies
The first batch of women cadets trained at India's National Defence Academy was commissioned as officers in the defence forces on Sunday, breaking the glass ceiling and marking a defining chapter in the evolution of the country's military service.
The batch of 17 women cadets, who joined the NDA in August 2022 as part of the 148th Course, successfully completed their rigorous pre-commission training at their respective Service academies.
Nine women officers were commissioned in the army, five in the air force and three in the navy during the passing-out parade of the 158th Regular Course held at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. The parade was reviewed by President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the military.
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Speaking on the occasion, Murmu said the commissioning of the women cadets is a "watershed" moment in the history of IMA.
"It is not only a milestone in the history of India's defence forces but also an inspiring example of India's march towards women-led development" and expressed confidence that many more women cadets would join the Academy.
