This report examines the critical need for systematic gender integration in India’s largest military service, the Indian Army. It explored the current state of women’s participation in the Indian Army, where fewer than 7,054 women serve among nearly 1.2 million personnel, representing less than 1% of the total strength. The report presents a roadmap for transforming piecemeal, reactive policies into a coordinated, gender-informed approach that benefits both military effectiveness and national security. Drawing on international best practices from armies in Canada, Australia, and the UK, the report outlines institutional and cultural reforms necessary for meaningful change.

Key recommendations include establishing civilian-military partnerships, conducting comprehensive status assessments, developing strategic implementation plans, and creating dedicated gender integration departments. The report emphasizes that increasing women’s participation requires sustained political will, parliamentary oversight, and collaboration with gender-competent civil society organizations to ensure reforms address structural barriers while maintaining operational effectiveness.