Defence attaches are military officers who are posted in foreign countries as a part of diplomatic & military relations.
In yet another first for women, the Indian armed forces will now post women officers as defence attaches in its overseas missions, reported TOI.
A decision in this regard was taken by the government earlier this year. The three services have been asked to identify officers who could fill these posts.
According to sources, the first batch of women officers could go out as early as the next ‘rotation’.
The move was applauded by people on Twitter.
Encouraging step by #India ! Women officers are expected to be posted to missions in America and Europe as soon as on the next “rotation.” #womenpower #WomenEmpowerment . https://t.co/Zip5JxPyTc
— SureshBabuKalarikkal (@sbkalarikkal) April 1, 2019
An idea whose time has come- women in India’s defence diplomacy! Way to go! @DefenceMinIndia. https://t.co/bUhfgM7Uft via @timesofindia
— Gurleen Kaur (@gurleenmalik) April 1, 2019
Our Nation is in a process of making another breakthrough as India will now post women officers as defence attaches in its overseas missions. This is remarkable as the defence attache’s post has always been male-dominated previously#EmpoweringWomen https://t.co/MfRy9T6cwX
— Shruti (@Shruti_Sikha) April 1, 2019
Women officers in a defence diplomacy role. Good move, a traditionally male centric ministry taking some bold innovative steps.https://t.co/RKH8WhJglk
— Smita Prakash (@smitaprakash) April 1, 2019
Earlier this year, the defence ministry announced that women could get permanent commission in 10 branches of Indian army.
In recent years, India’s defence diplomacy has assumed a crucial role in diplomatic engagement with other countries and inducting women officers in this role could be really effective for securing the country’s defence interests.
Also, this is a welcome move as the defence attache’s post has always been male-dominated in India.
