Who is Adaso Kapesa? Manipur’s SPG officer who made history guarding PM Modi in the UK

When images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent UK visit went viral, it wasn’t just the diplomacy or formalities that stood out. What truly captured public attention was a composed woman in a black suit and earpiece standing just behind him — a figure of calm authority.

Who is Adaso Kapesa?

That woman is Inspector Adaso Kapesa, a pioneering officer from Manipur who has created history. She is the first woman from her state — and the first ever — to join the ranks of the Special Protection Group (SPG), India’s premier security force dedicated to safeguarding the Prime Minister.

Kapesa began her journey in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a Central Armed Police Force operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Currently, she serves with the 55th Battalion in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. With her entry into the SPG, she has overcome one of the most formidable gender barriers within the country’s security forces.

From the Northeast to the Heart of National Security

Her induction into the SPG isn’t just a personal milestone — it signals a significant move towards gender representation within India’s elite security services.

The SPG has traditionally been an all-male unit — a precedent that Kapesa has now officially disrupted.

Her appearance beside the Prime Minister during a critical international event was not just symbolic. It was both strategic and historic.

Social Media Applauds: ‘A Role Model for the Nation’

As pictures of her circulated online, admiration poured in across platforms.

Netizens praised her as a “trailblazer,” a “symbol of strength,” and a “powerful inspiration,” particularly for young women aiming to break into law enforcement and defence roles.

Her visibility in such a critical role struck a chord nationwide — especially among communities that have long remained underrepresented.

Why Her SPG Role Matters

The Special Protection Group isn’t a typical security assignment — it is India’s most elite protective unit, solely responsible for the Prime Minister’s security.

Members undergo rigorous training in close-quarter combat, intelligence operations, surveillance, and emergency response — making it one of the most demanding roles in India’s defence ecosystem.

Kapesa’s induction isn’t merely about representation — it reimagines what leadership and strength look like in Indian security forces.

A Defining Chapter in Uniformed Leadership

Her achievement sends a powerful signal: women belong everywhere — even in roles previously deemed out of reach.