Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (May 29, 2025) said women pilots and other women soldiers played a crucial role in the effective action taken by India against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu & Kashmir during Operation Sindoor.

At the flag-in ceremony of INSV Tarini in Goa, on the return of Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa following a successful circumnavigation expedition ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama II’, Mr. Singh said ever since the participation of women in the armed forces increased, they had performed exceptionally well in every role and fulfilled every responsibility.

“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,” he said.

The Defence Minister commended the two Navy women officers for the successful completion of the expedition. They became the first from India to accomplish such a feat in double-handed mode. The officers covered a distance of 25,600 nautical miles over a period of eight months with port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa).

In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi praised the duo’s resilience, perseverance and indomitable spirit.