Indian Army Opens Territorial Army to Women for the First Time: A Historic Leap Toward Inclusive Defence
In a transformative move set to reshape India’s defence landscape, the Indian Army has approved the induction of women into Territorial Army (TA) battalions for the first time in the force’s 76-year history. This decision, initiated as a pilot project, is more than a policy revision; it is a historic stride toward gender equality, operational modernization, and national empowerment. For decades, the TA has remained one of India’s most unique defense institutions, a citizen-soldier force made up of volunteers who balance civilian lives with the responsibility of national service. Now, for the first time, women will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in these battalions, reinforcing India’s commitment to the rising strength of Nari Shakti.What the New Policy MeansBeginning with select units, the Army will reserve dedicated section-level spaces for women in Territorial Army Home & Hearth (H&H) battalions. Each section includes 10 soldiers, and these sections are the base-level building blocks of any battalion. These initial vacancies will be spread across battalions in sensitive and strategically significant regions, including Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast areas where TA H&H battalions have long served in essential roles. Women in these Territorial Army Home & Hearth battalions will contribute across crucial operational areas, including counter-insurgency operations, local security assistance, intelligence gathering, disaster relief and rescue missions, and community coordination during emergencies—roles that directly impact stability in sensitive regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. The Army has confirmed that these women’s sections will initially be limited to select units, but their numbers will gradually expand as the system stabilizes and operational feedback is reviewed over the next few years.A Legacy Built on Citizen SoldiersTo understand the importance of this change, it’s essential to revisit the legacy of the Territorial Army itself. Created under the Territorial Army Act and inaugurated on October 9, 1949, by Governor General C. Rajagopalachari, the TA was envisioned as a channel through which patriotic citizens could don the uniform part-time while continuing their regular careers. Over the decades, the Territorial Army has played a vital role in several major national operations, including the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars; Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka, Operation Rakshak in Jammu & Kashmir, and Operation Rhino and Operation Bajrang in the Northeast. With nearly 50,000 personnel serving across 65 Departmental Units such as Railways, ONGC, and IOC, as well as non-departmental units like Infantry, Ecological and Engineer battalions, the TA continues to stand as a powerful model of national service carried out through dual civilian–soldier roles. The induction of women into this framework is far more than a symbolic gesture; it expands the very definition of the Indian citizen-soldier and sets the stage for a more inclusive, representative defence force.Government Push: Women Leading India’s Defence TransformationIndia’s defence forces have undergone steady gender reforms in recent years. As former Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt noted in Parliament, the government has been continuously expanding women’s combat and leadership roles. Today, women serve across several key branches of the Indian Army, including the Corps of Engineers, Corps of Signals, Intelligence Corps, Army Aviation, Army Air Defence, the Judge Advocate General branch, and the Army Medical Services. They have also taken on demanding roles as fighter pilots, helicopter pilots, and even commanding officers, proving their capability across the full spectrum of military responsibilities. The induction of women into Territorial Army battalions marks the next major leap in this journey, particularly because TA units perform duties closely aligned with infantry roles, which have long been considered the backbone of land warfare. This shift signals a decisive step toward expanding women’s operational presence in some of the most challenging and strategically significant areas of military service.Women’s Sections in TA H&H: A Structural TransformationThe Directorate General of the Territorial Army recently approved additional vacancies for 2025–2026 that officially included women in TA H&H battalions. Out of the 11 H&H battalions, several now have designated women’s sections. These battalions are unique; they recruit soldiers from the region they serve, creating strong local bonds, a critical advantage in operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. By deploying women in these networks, the Army will not only gain operational depth but also improve community engagement, especially during intelligence and humanitarian missions. The TA has recently been central to major national operations. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Defence activated 14 of 32 TA Infantry Battalions for deployment under Operation Sindoor until early 2028.What This Means for Young WomenFor thousands of young women across India, especially those from remote areas, this decision is more than a pathway into uniform. It is a symbol of equality, possibility, and national belonging. Imagine a young woman from Kupwara, Tawang, or Imphal, who has seen soldiers patrolling her village roads all her life. For the first time, she can see herself not just as a witness but as a protector, a leader, and a guardian of her own land. The TA’s flexible, part-time nature also makes it accessible to women who wish to balance careers, family responsibilities, and national service. This human dimension of choice, empowerment, and dignity is what makes this decision truly historic. The Indian Army’s decision is more than a policy update; it is a promise. A promise of a defence force that reflects the strength, diversity, and aspirations of the nation it protects. The future of national security will be stronger, more inclusive, and more powerful with women at the frontlines of change.
