Pune (Maharashtra) [India], May 30 (ANI): The National Defence Academy (NDA) on Friday marked a 'historic' moment during its 148th passing out parade, as the first group of women cadets officially graduated. This marks a big step towards including more women in India's armed forces.

The event was held at the NDA campus in Khadakwasla, Pune, and reviewed by General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), the current Governor of Mizoram and a former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). The ceremony brought together cadets, proud parents, military officials, and dignitaries from across the country to witness the event.

The event, held at Khadakwasla in Pune, brought together cadets, parents, military officials, and dignitaries from across the country.

Calling it a 'significant and historic' event, General VK Singh praised the achievement of the graduating women cadets. 'Today is also a unique significant day in the history of the academy. The first batch of women cadets will pass out today. This marks a historic milestone in our collective journey of our greatest inclusivity and empowerment. These women are a symbol of Nari Shakti. It's embodied not just in women's development but in women-led development,' the former COAS said.

On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the important role played by women in India's armed forces, especially during recent military actions like Operation Sindoor.

He was speaking at the flag-in ceremony of the Indian Navy sailing vessel INSV Tarini in Goa.

The Union Minister said women had made significant contributions to India's fight against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

'Women pilots and other female soldiers played a crucial role in the effective action taken by India against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK during Operation Sindoor,' Singh said.

He was speaking at the event held to welcome back Navy officers, Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa. The two women successfully completed a circumnavigation of the globe in INSV Tarini under the 'Navika Sagar Parikrama II' mission. They became the first Indian women to complete the journey in double-handed mode (with only two crew members).

'From the heights of Siachen to the depths of the ocean, Indian women are fulfilling many responsibilities, which has further bolstered the security circle of the country. Today, the doors of Sainik Schools are open for girls, and 17 women are passing out from the National Defence Academy this month. Operation Sindoor witnessed active and effective participation of women in every branch of the Indian Armed Forces,' the Defence Minister added.

Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 'barbaric' Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and injured several others. The forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in over 100 deaths of terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)