New Delhi (Sputnik) — In yet another attempt by India to promote sexual equality in the armed forces, the Indian Navy has received its first female pilot. Two other female officers have been inducted into the Naval Armament Inspection (NAI) branch, which has so far been dominated by men.
16 October 2017, 13:59 GMT
The Indian Navy's aviation branch has had women officers in the past but their role was limited to serving as air traffic control officers and as observers in the aircraft who are responsible for communication and weapons. Presently, the Indian Navy has approximately 600 women serving as medical and supporting staff.
Creating history!
— Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) November 24, 2017
Shubhangi Swaroop becomes the 1st woman to be inducted in the @indiannavy as a Pilot pic.twitter.com/PIdIPCLEyM
The Indian Armed Forces had been skeptical about introducing women in a fighting capacity but promises to reverse the trend have been made by the administration in the last few years. Last year the Indian Air Force allowed women to fly fighter jets on an experimental basis. India's Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the first woman to hold the post full-time, had promised to ensure gender equality in the armed forces when she took the oath of office in September this year.
Congratulations to Shubhangi Swaroop for becoming Indian Navy’s first woman pilot! Also kudos to Astha Segal, Roopa A & Sakthi Maya S who have created history by becoming the country’s first women officers at the Naval Armament Inspectorate branch of the Navy. More power to you! pic.twitter.com/5lKFfpyamu
— Manushi Chhillar (@ManushiChhillar) November 24, 2017
