India has broken another glass ceiling and in a first will post in its overseas missions women officers as defence attaches. The three Services have been asked to identify women officers who could fill the posts after the government took a decision earlier this year. Largely in America and Europe, the first missions have been identified. The move is piloted by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Defence attache’s job is of great importance

According to sources, the first women officers will be able to go out on the next “rotation”. In recent years, with India’s defence and security engagement increasing, the defence attache’s job has acquired much greater importance. With key countries, India’s diplomatic engagement has defence diplomacy as a regular part of it.

Defence diplomacy has largely been a preserve of the Navy, however, in the Modi government it has become even more broad-based. In India’s extended neighbourhood, the changing strategic environment involves greater communication. For India’s defence exports, it also has the ability to open up new markets.

Breaking The Overseas Barriers: India To Now Post Women Officers As Defence Attaches Abroad For First Time Everhttps://t.co/rrHUtGUpi3

— Swarajya (@SwarajyaMag) April 1, 2019

It was announced by the defence ministry earlier this month that in as many as ten branches of the Indian Army, women could get permanent commission. The branches include Signals, Engineers, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, Army Service Corps, Army Ordinance Corps and Intelligence. Women can now also serve all the IAF branches, including fighter pilots. Non-sea going specialisations have been opened for women by the Navy. Earlier this month, a statement by the defence ministry said that women sailors will be trained with new “training ships” for a future in seafaring roles.

Over time, women in the country have proved to be equal to or often much better than men in several fields. India has had several distinguished diplomats, ambassadors and even foreign secretaries, but the post of the defence attache has always been male-dominated. This move is a positive step towards ensuring equality in the country.

Also Read: Women In Indian Army To Get Permanent Commission: Defence Ministry