As India celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations at the Red Fort, a woman Army officer standing close to him during the flag-hoisting ceremony caught everyone’s attention.
The Army officer, identified as Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan, soon became the most searched across the country.
Who is Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan?
Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan is a commissioned officer of the Indian Army who was given a specific ceremonial responsibility at this year’s Independence Day event, to assist as he hoisted the National Flag on the ramparts of the Red Fort.
According to the official Independence Day 2026 press release circulated ahead of the event, “Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan will assist the Prime Minister in hoisting the National Flag.”
In view of the designed military protocol, with named officers responsible for everything from the Guard of Honour to the National Flag Guard, Captain Chauhan’s task was to assist PM Modi directly at the moment the flag was unfurled, per the official schedule.
Notably, her presence beside the Prime Minister grabbed the spotlight as it aligns with India’s emphasis on (Women Empowerment) and the growing presence of women officers across the Indian armed forces in recent years.