Indira Gandhi was an Indian political leader who served as the prime minister of India in two separate terms, first from 1966 to 1977 and then from 1980 until her death in 1984. She was the first woman to hold the office in India and played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape during her time in power. She was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, and continued her family's legacy in national leadership. Her total time in office spanned nearly 16 years, making her the second-longest-serving prime minister in Indian history after her father.