INDIA frequently tries to project an image of progress and gender inclusivity, but the statistics tell a different story.
The country ranks among the lowest in global gender equality indices, with deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes that shape societal norms and institutional structures.
This contradiction was particularly evident during “Operation Sindoor” a term now facing criticism for its patriarchal undertones.
While female officers were prominently featured in briefings and media updates as part of the optics, the reality behind the scenes paint a much grimmer picture—especially regarding the treatment of women in the armed forces.
Beneath the surface of empowerment lies a system riddled with discrimination, suppression and inequality, where female officers continue to battle entrenched biases and systemic barriers.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi, one of the Indian officers briefing the media on Operation Sindoor, recently faced unwarranted criticism from a senior BJP Minister, Kunwar Vijay Shah who labelled her the “sister of terrorists” during a public speech.
This blatant and inflammatory remark highlights the growing intolerance and injustice that is faced by individuals based on their religious identity in India.
Even those who serve the nation with dedication are not immune to such baseless accusations and communal targeting.
Even before this, Colonel Qureshi had fought for years against gender-based career limitations.
Her struggle exemplifies the deep-rooted inequality that continues to plague India’s military institutions, despite grand claims of inclusivity.
Much like their cinematic portrayals through Bollywood, India has consistently relied on symbolic gestures and media-driven narratives to project an image of military strength and gender equality.
The aggressive posturing of “Operation Sindoor” was meant to reinforce this façade, yet the challenges within forces are strong enough to expose the cracks in the facade.
While India celebrated the induction of female officer cadets at the Indian Military Academy in 2025, reports suggest that “women remain sidelined for leadership roles”, confined to optics rather than substantive change.
For years, female officers in the Indian Army faced systemic discrimination, with no access to command roles or permanent commissions.
Reports of sexual harassment, such as the 2022 case of a female officer alleging abuse by her superiors, highlights the challenges and hostility that women encounter within the ranks.
In addition to these structural barriers, as of 2023, women comprised only 0.56% of the Indian Army, a stark contrast to the 15–20% representation in Western militaries.
The struggle for gender parity in India’s armed forces culminated in a 2025 Supreme Court ruling that chastised the Indian Army for systematically denying permanent commissions to women, labelling the policy “a grave injustice that weakens national security”.
The case centred on Lieutenant Colonel Suprita Chandel, who had been denied a permanent commission due to a 2013 regulatory amendment imposing restrictive age and qualification criteria.
The court found that Chandel was “unfairly excluded” from benefits granted to other officers in similar situations following a 2014 Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) ruling.
Pakistan in contrast, has expanded opportunities for women in the military, appointing women generals and integrating them into intelligence and strategy planning roles.
The first batch of female officers was inducted into the Pakistan Army in 2006, marking a significant shift towards gender inclusivity.
The progress continued with the historic achievement of Marium Mukhtiar, who became the nation’s first female fighter pilot in 2013 and was embraced as a national hero for her contributions.
As a matter of fact, Pakistan has had “female UN peacekeepers” since 2017, whereas India only deployed its first all-female contingent in 2023.
Beyond the military, a review of UN Women Data Hub statistics reveals that Indian women hold only 14.7% of parliamentary seats, indicating underrepresentation in politics.
Additionally, 23.3% of women aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18, highlighting the prevalence of child marriage.
The point to ponder is, Pakistan does not rely on spectacle to prove its commitments, shouldn’t action speak louder than optics?
The inconsistencies between public messaging and lived realities in India’s armed forces, corporate sector and governance structures are becoming increasingly difficult to conceal.
From selective portrayals of women in military operations to superficial gender equality initiatives, India prioritizes “optics over genuine change”—but eventually, the truth emerges.
Unlike India’s reliance on grand narratives, Pakistan has chosen to address issues head-on, focusing on real improvements in education, workforce inclusion and social empowerment.
Initiatives such as the rise of female fighter pilots and the deployment of female UN peacekeepers highlight the country’s commitment to meaningful reforms rather than public relations exercises.
We can proudly say that Pakistan continues to “actively work towards..
” while India struggles to “match its rhetoric with reality”.
True progress cannot be measured by mere headlines or orchestrated public displays—it is reflected in equal opportunities, genuine empowerment and a military culture that actively dismantles systemic biases.
Until these issues are addressed at their core, the disparity between rhetoric and reality will continue to be glaringly apparent.
The world is watching and optics alone cannot sustain the illusion forever.
Eventually, truth surfaces—and nations will be judged not by their narratives and stories, but by their deeds.
The real question is: when will India reconcile its carefully crafted image with the reality that their women face every day?
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
