Indian Army Prepares for Integration of Women in Combat Roles, Awaits Societal Support and Standardization
The Indian Army is prepared to integrate women into infantry combat roles if there is a societal consensus and uniform standards are maintained, stated General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, on Tuesday.
During a media briefing, General Dwivedi emphasized that the Army's stance is based on gender neutrality rather than special treatment. He remarked, "Women should not be perceived as a vulnerable group. If the standards are equivalent, if the capabilities match, and if society as a whole is ready for it, then combat roles can be opened immediately."
The Army Chief elaborated that extending women’s roles in the Army will be a step-by-step process, determined by performance metrics and operational success. The plan involves starting with support roles, then moving to combat roles, and potentially including special forces in the future, which he described as a "welcome social change."
He also noted that although establishing uniform standards is crucial, there are ongoing medical and operational challenges that need to be tackled through thorough evaluation and data-driven decision-making.
Updating on the current induction of women, General Dwivedi highlighted several points:
| Around 60 women Army cadets are undergoing training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), with about 20 joining each year. |
| The Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai and Gaya accepts around 120 women officers annually. |
| The Army currently has approximately 8,000 women officers. |
| The Territorial Army is opening up with 110 vacancies for women. |
Discussing the induction of women in Other Ranks (ORs), he mentioned that this would involve amending Section 12 of the Army Act, aiming for a 12-fold increase in women’s induction in ORs by 2032.
General Dwivedi also spoke about the Army's modernisation efforts, informed by the lessons from recent conflicts. Key initiatives include:
| Raising dedicated drone regiments and expanding loitering munitions. |
| Establishing a rocket-cum-missile force and improving counter-UAS capabilities. |
| Inducting 13 Bhairav battalions to bridge the gap between infantry platoons and special forces. |
| Creating a Divyastra battery within artillery regiments for divisional support. |
| Achieving over 90% indigenisation in ammunition. |
He noted that following Operation Sindoor, there has been significant emphasis on drones, with the capability to produce up to 5,000 drones per command, scalable to 20,000 or even up to 100,000 depending on the threat level.
The Army Chief's comments underscore a clear direction: the inclusion of women in infantry combat hinges on preparedness, uniform standards, and societal acceptance, rather than on capability. As the Army advances its modernization and as societal attitudes shift, the path for women in combat roles is being steadily and purposefully paved.
