New Delhi: India concluded its maiden “premier” Female Military Officers Course for officers from ASEAN countries and the Indian Army today. Spearheaded by the Indian Army’s vision for gender neutrality and women empowerment, this initiative, themed on the United Nations framework, was organised under the stewardship of the Ministry of Defence.
According to the Defence Ministry, the maiden venture also stood as a testament to India’s evolving military diplomacy. The ministry claimed that it also offered a “beacon of hope” for stronger ASEAN-India ties and the future role of women in peacekeeping and defence sectors globally.
“Hosting such a transformative course reinforces India’s commitment to fostering deeper international collaboration while championing gender equality in the armed forces,” the Ministry of Defence stated. “This is especially pertinent in light of India’s longstanding commitment to the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus,” it added.
The course has been designed to elevate leadership competencies, strategic acumen, and operational efficacy among female officers while offering a “rich” platform for cross-cultural interaction and mutual professional development. Participants delved into an enriching mix of dynamic workshops, tactical simulations, and expert lectures.
Integral to the course’s structure is the inclusion of India’s storied legacy in UN peacekeeping. The course was conducted under the aegis of the Centre for UN Peacekeeping in India, renowned globally, and has a rich history of training and deploying peacekeepers across various UN missions. Participants had the unique opportunity to receive a demonstration on UN peacekeeping drills, offering them insights into the rigorous standards India upholds in international peace missions.
In addition to the academic and tactical elements, participants were exposed to India’s rich culture and heritage. They participated in the organised yoga sessions and went on heritage tours of Delhi and Agra. They were also introduced to the ‘Made in India’ equipment set to be a part of upcoming UN missions.
– global bihari bureau
