The briefing on Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, was notably led by two senior women officers-Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force.
Their leadership highlighted India’s inclusive defence ethos and resolve in responding to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh detailed the operation’s objectives, execution, and outcomes, underscoring India’s commitment to measured, focused action against terror infrastructure without escalating conflict.
Trailblazers at the Forefront: Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh
Colonel Sophia Qureshi, a decorated officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, has a distinguished career marked by several historic achievements. In 2016, she became the first woman officer to command an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise, leading 40 soldiers in Exercise Force 18, the largest such drill hosted by India with 18 nations participating.
She holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry and comes from a family with deep military ties, including her grandfather and husband. During the Operation Sindoor briefing, Colonel Qureshi’s composed and authoritative presence symbolised India’s strategic clarity and operational excellence.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a decorated helicopter pilot with over 2,500 flying hours, co-led the briefing alongside Colonel Qureshi. Known for her exceptional flying skills, Singh has operated Chetak and Cheetah helicopters in some of India’s most challenging terrains, including Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast.
She has led critical rescue missions, notably in Arunachal Pradesh in 2020, and was part of a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mt. Manirang in 2021, recognised by senior defence officials.
Her name, meaning “daughter of the sky,” reflects her lifelong dream of flying, which she pursued through the National Cadet Corps and engineering studies before joining the Indian Air Force. Singh’s role in the briefing underscored the growing prominence of women in leadership and frontline roles within India’s armed forces.
Operation Sindoor: A Measured Response Led by Women Officers
The joint briefing by Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh presented a clear narrative of Operation Sindoor’s objectives-to dismantle terror infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed responsible for the Pahalgam attack-while emphasising India’s restraint and focus on non-escalation.
Their leadership sent a powerful message domestically and internationally about India’s professionalism, inclusivity, and resolve. The presence of two women officers from different branches of the armed forces and different faiths also symbolised India’s unity and diversity in facing security challenges.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The prominent roles of Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh in communicating Operation Sindoor reflect India’s evolving defence landscape, where women are increasingly taking centre stage in leadership and operational roles.
While India’s right to defend its citizens is unquestionable, The Logical Indian emphasises that military strength must be balanced with empathy, dialogue, and efforts to foster peace and coexistence in the region.
The bravery and professionalism of these women officers inspire hope for a future where inclusivity and harmony prevail alongside security. How can India’s defence forces continue to lead by example in promoting peace and unity both within and beyond their ranks? We invite readers to share their thoughts.
