Riyadh: At the World Defence Show in Riyadh, India is represented by three female military officials: Lt Commander Annu Prakash, Colonel Ponung Doming, and Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth.
Commencing on February 4, the five-day mega event provided a crucial platform for international collaboration among the participating companies by showcasing the most recent developments in defense technology.
“The participation of these three exceptional women officers at the World Defence Show served as a testament to the growing role of Indian women in the defence landscape,” the defence ministry said.
Women Officers from #IndianArmedForces attend the World Defence Show, Riyadh #WDS2024.
The delgation of Col Ponung Doming #IndianArmy, Lt Cdr Annu Prakash #IndianNavy & Sqn Ldr Bhawana Kanth #IndianAirForce were special invitees to the "International Women in Defence -… pic.twitter.com/xstSfWEnN2— HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) February 7, 2024
On Wednesday, Squadron Leader Kanth, a fighter pilot, took centre stage as a panellist at a seminar titled ‘International Women in Defence – Investing in an Inclusive Future’ that was hosted by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud.
The Squadron Leader shared her inspiring journey of breaking barriers and soaring through the skies.
The ministry stated that the diverse audience was impressed to learn about her journey and found her insights on leadership, resilience, and the changing role of women in modern warfare to be particularly relevant.
As of 2021, she is the first female fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day Parade.
Colonel Doming, who has served for more than 20 years, is the first female officer to command the world’s highest border task force, which is situated in the Northern sector at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet.
She has been at the forefront of many challenging assignments being an engineering officer, the ministry said.
Lt Commander Prakash of the Indian Navy brought her expertise in maritime security and operations to the forefront while participating in the World Defence Show.
Her participation underscored the crucial role women play in safeguarding India’s vast coastline and ensuring regional stability, the ministry said in a statement.
The trio was scheduled to deliver a talk about their remarkable journey at International Indian School, Riyadh on Thursday.
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