Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari of the Border Security Force (BSF) is set to appear at the CNN-News18 Town Hall, "The Defence Edition," on June 28, 2025. This special edition of the Town Hall will pay tribute to India's armed forces and highlight the country's growing self-reliance in defense production and national security initiatives. The theme of the event is "Borders to Business – The Strength of Bharat," and it is timed to reflect on India's recent strategic achievements, celebrating the spirit, strategy, and resilience of the military and its innovation-led defense ecosystem.

During the Town Hall, Neha Bhandari and three other women officers will participate in a segment titled "From Sindoor to Seema," where they will share their experiences on the front lines during Operation Sindoor. This conversation is expected to provide a unique and personal perspective on the courage and strength of India's female defense personnel.

Operation Sindoor was launched in early May 2025 in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. The operation was a "punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure" across the Line of Control and within Pakistan. The BSF played a crucial role in thwarting a major infiltration attempt along the International Border in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir. BSF troops noticed suspicious movement and responded quickly, leading to a heavy exchange of fire, neutralizing at least two infiltrators, and recovering arms and ammunition.

During Operation Sindoor, a team of seven women from the BSF, led by Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari, defended their posts in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir for three consecutive days and nights under relentless enemy fire. They retaliated fiercely against Pakistani fire, refusing to retreat despite the intensity of the attacks. Bhandari not only led the defense of two forward posts but also coordinated artillery and troop movements. This marked a significant moment, as it may have been the first instance of a woman commanding active combat operations in India.

The bravery and leadership of Neha Bhandari and her team have been widely recognized. BSF officers confirmed that Bhandari commanded Army reinforcements during the operation. According to BSF DIG Varindar Dutta, her role was unprecedented, noting that even the Army was not deploying women in such roles at the time. For the women involved, it was about fulfilling their duty and demonstrating their capabilities under pressure.

Assistant Sub Inspector Rajapaksh B T, another BSF member who demonstrated bravery during Operation Sindoor, was applauded by passengers on an IndiGo flight. He was seriously injured while helping fellow soldiers during heavy firing at the international border near Jammu. His fearless actions helped save the lives of his fellow soldiers and forced the enemy to retreat.

The CNN-News18 Town Hall aims to honor the bravery displayed during Operation Sindoor and to facilitate meaningful conversations about India's defense priorities. The event will bring together military leaders, government officials, and innovators to discuss India's evolving security landscape and the country's progress in achieving self-reliance in defense.