In a historic display of leadership, Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This operation was a direct response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
Colonel Qureshi, a decorated officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, has a remarkable career marked by several historic achievements. In 2016, she made headlines as the first woman officer to command an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise, Exercise Force 18, which was the largest military drill hosted by India, involving 18 nations. With a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, she comes from a family with deep military ties, including her grandfather and husband. During the briefing, Colonel Qureshi's composed and authoritative presence symbolized India’s strategic clarity and operational excellence.
Co-leading the briefing was Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a decorated helicopter pilot with over 2,500 flying hours. Singh has operated Chetak and Cheetah helicopters in some of India’s most challenging terrains, including Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. Notably, she has led critical rescue missions, including a significant operation in Arunachal Pradesh in 2020, and was part of a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mt. Manirang in 2021, which was recognized by senior defense officials. Her name, meaning “daughter of the sky,” reflects her lifelong dream of flying, pursued through the National Cadet Corps and engineering studies before joining the Indian Air Force. Singh’s prominent role in the briefing underscores the increasing visibility of women in leadership and frontline roles within India’s armed forces.
The joint briefing by Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh conveyed a clear narrative of Operation Sindoor’s objectives: to dismantle terror infrastructure linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, both responsible for the Pahalgam attack. Their emphasis on measured action and restraint highlighted India’s commitment to focused responses without escalating conflict. Their leadership sent a powerful message both domestically and internationally about India’s professionalism, inclusivity, and resolve.
Following the briefing, the significance of their roles was echoed across various platforms. The Logical Indian noted that while India’s right to defend its citizens is unquestionable, 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.
On May 7, 2025, the media and public were captivated by the sight of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh addressing the nation. This moment was particularly poignant given the chequered history of women in the Indian Army. The Supreme Court's landmark judgment on February 17, 2020, highlighted the progressive steps taken since 1992 to integrate women into the Army, despite longstanding stereotypes. The ruling underscored that arguments based on physical differences or traditional gender roles do not justify denying equal opportunities to women officers.
Colonel Qureshi's achievements were specifically recognized in the Supreme Court's ruling, which noted her role as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational exercise and her contributions to peacekeeping operations in Congo. The judgment also acknowledged the service of 1,653 women officers in the Indian Army, marking a significant shift towards gender equality in the military.
In a recent event held at Kolkata’s Town Hall on April 12, 2025, Wing Commander Singh participated in a panel discussion hosted by Inner Wheel, an international women's organization. Alongside Commodore Divya Gautam of the Indian Navy and Colonel Nisha R Kulhan of the Indian Army, Singh engaged in a powerful conversation about women’s empowerment and the challenges faced in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Her charisma and confidence left a lasting impression on attendees, further solidifying her status as a role model for aspiring female leaders.
During the panel, Singh spoke candidly about her journey, asserting, "Women are mentally tougher and more consistent. If we believe in our inner voice and power, no bias or hurdle can stop us." She recounted how she defied gender norms from an early age, stating, "Whenever someone said, ‘You're a girl, you can't do this,' I made it a point to prove them wrong." Her inspiring words resonated with the audience, earning her immediate applause.
Singh's humility and approachability were evident during her visit to Kolkata, where she took a cab to the event without an escort or guards. This down-to-earth demeanor only added to her appeal as a public figure. Her fondness for local delicacies, such as Kolkata's iconic sandesh and phuchka, further endeared her to the city’s residents.
As the nation reflects on the implications of Operation Sindoor and the roles played by Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh, it becomes clear that their leadership signifies a broader cultural shift within the Indian military. The increasing representation of women in high-ranking positions not only enhances operational effectiveness but also serves as a beacon of hope for future generations.
Their actions remind us that the path toward equality in the armed forces is still ongoing, but with leaders like Qureshi and Singh at the forefront, there is a promising future ahead. As discussions continue about the role of women in defense, the question remains: how can India’s defense forces continue to lead by example in promoting peace and unity both within and beyond their ranks?
