When images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent UK visit surfaced online, it wasn’t just the diplomacy or the optics that caught the public eye. It was the confident woman standing right behind him, calmly watching over the scene in a black suit and earpiece, someone who wasn’t just present, but commanding attention.
Social media quickly zeroed in: Who is she?
Who is Adaso Kapesa?
The woman behind the buzz is Inspector Adaso Kapesa, a native of Manipur, and now a name etched into history. She is the first woman from her state, and the first woman ever, to serve in the Special Protection Group (SPG), India’s most elite force tasked with protecting the Prime Minister.
Her journey began in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. She currently serves with the 55th Battalion in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, and has now broken one of the last remaining gender barriers in Indian security forces.
From Northeast India to the frontline of national security
Adaso Kapesa’s assignment to the SPG is not just a personal milestone, it’s a signal of growing gender inclusivity in India's armed forces and security services.
Until recently, the SPG was an all-male unit. Kapesa’s induction has officially ended that streak.
Her presence beside the PM during a high-profile foreign visit wasn’t just ceremonial, it was strategic and historic. And for many, it was also deeply symbolic.
Social media reacts: ‘A role model for the nation’
After photos of Kapesa began circulating online, netizens flooded social platforms with admiration and pride.
Many called her a 'trailblazer', a 'symbol of strength', and a 'powerful inspiration' especially for young women eyeing careers in defence and law enforcement.
Her visibility in such a high-stakes role has struck a chord across India, particularly among women from underrepresented communities.
Why her role in SPG is so significant
The Special Protection Group is not your average security detail. It’s an elite, highly trained unit responsible for the personal security of the Prime Minister and, in select cases, former PMs and their families.
SPG officers undergo rigorous training in combat, intelligence, surveillance, and crisis response. It’s one of the toughest postings in Indian security forces, and until now, it was entirely male-dominated.
Kapesa’s entry doesn’t just diversify the force, it reshapes what security leadership can look like.
A defining shift in uniformed leadership
Her presence in the SPG sends a clear message: women belong in every room, even the ones built for the toughest missions.
For the Indian security ecosystem, Adaso Kapesa’s elevation is a watershed moment. And for every young woman from Manipur or anywhere else wondering if she can serve at the highest level, the answer is now visible, standing right behind the Prime Minister.
Disclaimer: Compiled from official sources and viral social media reactions following PM Modi's UK visit.
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