28.5c India
The Indian Army has launched an investigation into the leak of an official letter by Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri, which expressed concerns about the performance of female commanding officers (COs) in the eastern region.
The letter, dated October 2023, addressed various difficulties within women-led units, including officer management, perceived entitlement, a lack of empathy, and varied levels of ambition.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that female officers thrive in their duties and lauded maturity, politeness, and consideration. He stressed that the army's decision to nominate women as COs in response to a Supreme Court mandate was unusual, and various exceptions were made to hasten their training and appointments.
While these officers may not have received as much exposure or training as their male colleagues, General Dwivedi stated that women COs demonstrate outstanding leadership, particularly in demanding operational zones such as the Northern and Eastern Commands.
He mentioned Colonel Ponung Doming as a successful female CO who oversaw critical infrastructure projects in Ladakh near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The army currently has 115 female COs, with 18 more ready for deployment, representing a substantial shift in gender inclusion in military leadership.