Soon India could have an all-women battalion in the army and women could be stationed on warships, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said. He said with the recent induction of three women combat pilots to the air force the psychological barrier has been broken. The Defence Minister was speaking at a function organised by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Ladies Organisation.

"There is the thinking that soldiers will not listen to a woman commanding officer...I don't agree. But if there is some initial resistance, an all-women battalion would take care of it."

Parrikar said induction of women through the National Defence Academy and allowing girl students in Sainik schools can also be considered.

He however clarified that "affirmative action" for women in the forces would be undertaken "gradually and smoothly" so as not to "compromise" the Army's primary task of guarding national security.

"I will soon sit with the three Service chiefs to decide the way ahead. The only restriction today is that of infrastructure (for training and accommodating women)."

As of now, women constitute a miniscule number in the 13-lakh strong armed forces, with the total number of officers being 60,000. There are just 1,436 women officers in Army, 1,331 in IAF and 532 in Navy. However they are not put on combat duties.

If the Army and the Navy are opened up for combat roles for women, India will join the small club of countries in the world, including US, Israel, to have such a system.