Vice Admiral Arti Sarin: Trailblazing Woman Officer Who Served in Army, Navy, and Air Force
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin stands as a notable figure within the Indian Armed Forces, epitomizing resilience and dedication. As the Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), she has made history by becoming the first woman to achieve this high-ranking position, making her the most senior female officer in the nation’s military history.
A Trailblazer in All Three Uniforms
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has achieved a remarkable milestone through her service in all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
| Indian Army | From Lieutenant to Captain. |
| Indian Navy | From Surgeon Lieutenant to Surgeon Vice Admiral. |
| Indian Air Force | Achieving the rank of Air Marshal. |
This unique achievement reflects her commitment to tri-service integration, representing the colors of olive green, navy blue, and sky blue.
38 Years of Exemplary Service
With a career extending nearly four decades, Vice Admiral Sarin has held numerous pivotal roles in academic, clinical, and leadership capacities. Her positions have included:
| Director General Medical Services (Navy) |
| Director General Medical Services (Air) |
| Command Medical Officer of Southern and Western Naval Commands |
| Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini |
| Professor & Head of Radiation Oncology at Army Hospital (R&R) and Command Hospital (SC), Pune |
Her leadership was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she established quarantine facilities and introduced innovative medical solutions to protect soldiers and their families.
Scholar, Specialist, and Innovator
An alumna of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Vice Admiral Sarin earned her MBBS and MD in Radiodiagnosis. She further advanced her expertise by completing a Diplomate National Board in Radiation Oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, followed by training in Gamma Knife Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, USA.
Her academic achievements, coupled with her military leadership, have driven advancements in oncology, military healthcare, and medical innovation.
Recognitions and Awards
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin’s contributions have been acknowledged with several prestigious awards:
| Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2024 |
| Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) – 2021 |
| Chief of Army Staff Commendation (2017) |
| Chief of Naval Staff Commendation (2001) |
| GOC-in-C Commendation (2013) |
Her expertise was further recognized when the Supreme Court’s National Task Force appointed her to establish safe working protocols for medical professionals.
An Inspiration for Generations
As the third woman to achieve the rank of Vice Admiral after Punita Arora and Sheila S. Mathai, Vice Admiral Sarin continues to expand the boundaries of what is possible for women in uniform. Her leadership along the Line-of-Control during insurgencies exemplified her bravery and dedication to both military and civilian communities.
In her role as DGAFMS, she not only directs the medical policies of the Armed Forces but also motivates numerous young women to pursue careers in national service.
Her journey underscores that determination transcends barriers, with neither gender nor service branch able to constrain her will to serve. Vice Admiral Sarin remains a true beacon of a soldier, doctor, and leader.
