Women officers are being trained in Combat Support Roles at OTA Chennai

The defence forces are now reportedly training women officers for combat roles, with the first batch likely to graduate from Chennai.

According to a report in the Indian Express, a group of women cadets are undergoing training at Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai. The OTA is a premier institute of the Indian Army that trains officers for the Short Service Commission.

The daily quoted Army PRO Colonel Rohan as saying, "Based on the experience gained and feedback from the environment, on the current employment of women officers in various arms and services, their enhanced employment will be considered at an appropriate time."

The report added that this was first batch of women officers being trained at OTA Chennai. However, they are likely to receive training at other academies once the army sees a greater number of women cadets.

In 2015, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar ruled out recruiting women for combat operations in armed forces owing to their safety but said they would be encouraged to join other operational areas with their inclusion being stepped up in phases.