A powerful photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent UK visit has gone viral — not just for the diplomatic moment it captures, but for the groundbreaking figure in the background. Standing firm behind the PM is Inspector Adaso Kapesa, the first woman ever to be posted in the Prime Minister’s Special Protection Group (SPG), India’s most elite security unit.
Adaso hails from Kaibi village in Senapati district of Manipur, a remote area with limited access to resources. From humble beginnings, she charted an exceptional path into India’s top-tier security service. Her story is now resonating across the country as a symbol of possibility, resilience, and breaking gender norms.
Before her induction into the SPG, Inspector Kapesa served in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), where she was posted in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh with the 55th Battalion. Her outstanding service record led to her selection for the SPG, where she underwent some of the most demanding commando training in the country. The SPG training includes a grueling regimen of physical conditioning, high-stress simulations, and tactical skill development, qualifying only a select few for final deployment.
Her recent deployment during PM Modi’s official foreign trip marks a historic milestone. This is the first time an Indian woman officer has been visibly part of the Prime Minister’s security entourage — a space traditionally dominated by male personnel. Her confident and composed presence has captured national attention and admiration.
Colleagues and senior officials familiar with SPG standards describe her inclusion as “exceptional,” noting that being inducted into SPG requires sharp instincts, flawless discipline, and complete physical readiness. The force is entrusted with the safety of the nation’s highest-ranking leaders and has zero margin for error.
Adaso’s success not only honors her dedication and capability but also sends a powerful message about the evolving role of women in India’s armed and paramilitary forces. She has now become a role model for countless young women aspiring to serve in security and defense, proving that even the most exclusive institutions can — and must — open their doors to talent regardless of gender.
