Women On Frontlines: More Officers Set To Join Indian Navy Warships

More than 1000 women Agniveers have been deployed by the Indian Navy, more are set to join the already existing force as sailors on frontline warships in February. As per sources in the defence and security sector, over 700 women participated in the initial two Agniveer cohorts. Among these, 50 are deployed on major warships like aircraft carriers, destroyers, and frigates, while some are in the aviation wing.

Lt. Commander Prerna Deosthalee is also set to take soon the role of the first woman commanding officer of a warship- the 260-tonne fast-attack craft INS Trinkat on the western seaboard. Applauding this historic moment, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R.Hari Kumar stated, “It has been our effort to constantly challenge the status quo to ensure that the navy remains on an aspirational and dynamic trajectory into the future.”

History In Making For Women On Frontlines

Vice Admiral Gucharan Singh also remarked by saying that Deosthalee is going to traverse the uncharted course for women and leave a legacy behind for others. 

Agniveer scheme, for this development, is being lauded by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R.Hari Kumar. Praising the scheme, he said the implementation of Agniveer will bring forth the much-needed transformational change, both in structures and behaviours. He further said that these statistics serve as evidence of the Indian Navy's commitment to the philosophy of inclusivity, affirming the deployment of women across all roles and ranks in the service—applicable to both officers and personnel below officer rank.

Furthermore, to ensure the safety of women and prevention of mid-sea sexual misbehaviour or violence against women, the Indian Navy is teaching its men trainers behavioural patterns in dealing with women. Women Agniveers comprise 15% of the total 7687 inducted under the Agniveer scheme. And, attacks on women sailors/officers have been reported across the world. 

To ensure that this doesn’t become an obstacle for women, the Indian Navy is committed to being gender-sensitive so that women have equal opportunities to sail and shine.