Women pilots, soldiers played a key role in Operation Sindoor, reveals Rajnath Singh

Women pilots and other female soldiers played a crucial role in the military action taken by India against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while addressing the flag-in ceremony of INSV Tarini in Goa.

 

Navika Sagar Parikrama II, the second circumnavigation of the globe by Indian Navy women officers Lt Cdr Dilna K. and Lt Cdr Roopa A., undertaken aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, was completed on Thursday after the duo covered a distance of 25,600 nautical miles over eight months with port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa). The expedition was flagged off from INS Mandov in Goa on October 2, 2024.

 

Singh praised the grit, determination and strength of the two officers who faced mental and physical obstacles head-on during the voyage and said not everyone can accomplish the feat achieved by the duo. “You must document the experiences of this journey with the same spirit with which you completed it. Record your bitter-sweet experiences and learnings so that the future generation, especially our young women, are inspired by it.”

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Observing that the expedition was a testament to the Indian Navy’s bravery and resilience in overcoming varied challenges, he hailed the instructors, technical team, and the resources of the Navy for the successful completion of Navika Sagar Parikrama II.

 

Highlighting the increasing participation of women in India's armed forces, the defence minister said, “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 National Defence Academy this month. Operation Sindoor witnessed active and effective participation of women in every branch of the Indian armed forces.”

Defence