PM Modi lauds India's first batch of women fighter pilots

Asserting that it was a matter of immense pride for India to see its first batch of women fighter pilots to be inducted into the Indian Air Force, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the freshly commissioned pilots.

"It is a matter of immense pride & joy to see the first batch of women fighter pilots being inducted in our Air Force. More power to them," the Prime Minister said in a tweet.

History was scripted today when the nation witnessed the commissioning of the country's first batch of women fighter pilots in the IAF.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar who was present at the ceremony, called for "gender parity in armed forces".

"We consider that there should be total gender parity in the armed forces. Now while I say this there are technical and administrative difficulties, which we are likely to face in certain areas. So, step-by-step, we will see that this parity is achieved," said Parrikar.

The flight cadets, all in their mid-twenties, were upbeat about their graduation as they interacted with reporters, flanked by their proud parents.

"Obviously, we are feeling quite fortunate for being the first ones. Anyone could have got that opportunity but we got it and we are happy about it," said Mohana Singh.

"Before going solo in the aircraft we have been trained a lot with our instructors, we have been cleared by the examiner. So we feel confident; we feel good, definitely; because flying solo in aircraft gives you a special feeling," said Avani Chaturvedi.

The cadets will now head to IAF's centre in Bidar city of southern Karnataka state for the third phase of their training. They will train on Hawk advanced jet trainers and graduate to flying supersonic warplanes.