Female officers from Indian Armed Forces praise Kingdom’s transformation, women empowerment

A women’s representation from the Indian Armed Forces, which was part of the government’s empowerment initiatives and took part in the World Defense Show in Riyadh, has praised the transformation in the Kingdom, which includes females being admitted into the Saudi defense forces.

The WDS, which was organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries, ran from Feb. 4-8 and provided a global forum for innovation and technological discourse within the defense industry: air, land, sea, space, and security.

India sent a three-member delegation of women officers, each of them a holder of a frontline role in the forces, to take part in the event.

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth (air force), Col. Ponung Doming (army) and Lt. Cmdr. Annu Prakash (navy) represented the Indian armed forces at seminars during the WDS.

Fighter pilot Kanth took center stage as a panelist on Feb. 7 at a seminar called “International Women in Defense — Investing in an Inclusive Future,” which was hosted by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar.

The delegation later said: “We are very happy to be here. From the outside world we have different views; coming over here was a very different experience.

“We are seeing the women, they are excelling in everything. (We are) glad to see women in Saudi Arabia being part of various services, joining Saudi defense forces. Our country is also working towards women empowerment and has sent a tri-service women representation.”

Doming said: “It was good to see women driving cars in the streets, taking leading positions in various sectors, and lots of women sitting in the conference room.

“It is good to learn that the Saudi military launched the first military section for women in the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces in January 2021.”

It was in November 2021 when women candidates in India were first given the chance to take an examination for admittance to the National Defence Academy — the first tri-services training academy in the world — in Khadakwasla, Pune.

With India and Saudi Arabia now engaged in a strategic partnership with closer military ties, the women expressed their hope of future joint military training with their Saudi counterparts.

The trio also delivered an inspirational talk about their experiences at the International Indian School, Riyadh, on Thursday to about 700 children from various establishments.

Kanth spoke of soaring through the skies and becoming part of the revered fighter pilot club in India. Her insights on leadership, resilience and the evolving role of women in modern warfare resonated with the diverse audience, which was impressed to learn about her journey. She took part in the Indian Republic Day parade in 2021 and the flypast this year.

Doming shared her experiences, which include commanding the world’s highest border task force at 15,000 feet in India’s northern sector.

Prakash shared her expertise in maritime security and operations. Her journey illustrated the crucial role women play in safeguarding India’s vast coastline and ensuring regional stability. She also spoke of managing her time between service and married life and family.

Teachers and students at the IISR later said: “It (the talk) served as a platform in showcasing the diverse talents and leadership skills of Indian women in uniform, inspiring us to follow their dreams and cover new grounds.”