Major Abhilasha Barak Wins Prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate Award; PM Modi Lauds Her Service

Major Abhilasha Barak, the Indian Army’s first woman combat helicopter pilot, has been honoured with the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her transformative work in Lebanon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Major Abhilasha Barak for being conferred the prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, describing the accolade as a testament to her dedication and India’s enduring commitment to global peacekeeping. Major Barak, who made history as the Indian Army’s first female combat helicopter pilot, is currently deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

A Trailblazer on the Global Stage

The UN honour recognises Major Barak’s significant contributions as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point in Lebanon. Her deployment has been marked by proactive outreach efforts aimed at supporting women and girls in the West Asian nation, a role that proved pivotal in her selection for the award. The UN Peacekeeping department selects recipients from a competitive pool of candidates nominated by force commanders and heads of missions globally.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the recognition. "Congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak on being conferred the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award," the Prime Minister stated. He further noted that the achievement serves as a beacon of inspiration for countless young Indians, particularly women who aspire to pursue careers in service to the nation and humanity.

India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping

Beyond individual brilliance, this award underscores India's strategic role as one of the largest troop and police contributing countries to UN missions. As of February 2026, the UNIFIL mission includes a robust contingent of 7,538 peacekeepers representing 48 nations. India remains a major contributor, with 642 personnel currently deployed, ranking fourth in size behind Italy, Indonesia, and Spain.

The recognition of Major Barak reflects the evolving landscape of military engagement, where gender equality and inclusive security strategies have become essential components of international stability. Her work in Lebanon highlights how Indian officers are not only fulfilling traditional security mandates but are also actively fostering community-level progress. This award marks a proud milestone for the Indian armed forces, reinforcing the country's reputation for excellence and service within the international community.