Abhilasha Barak Receives International Honour

Major Abhilasha Barak, the first woman pilot to fly a combat helicopter in the Indian Army, has been honoured with the prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2025 Award. The award was presented by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in recognition of her outstanding efforts for women and girls in Lebanon.

Abhilasha, a native of Rohtak in Haryana, joined the Army Air Defence Corps in September 2018. She is currently serving with the Indian Battalion under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point. After Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, she has become the third Indian woman to receive this prestigious honour.