Women Officers Colonel Sofiya Qureshi & Wing Commander Vyomika Singh Lead Operation Sindoor
On May 7, 2025, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force led a significant press briefing detailing Operation Sindoor—a precision military response to the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 civilian deaths. Their leadership in this briefing highlighted India’s strategic military response and underscored the evolving role of women in the nation’s armed forces.
Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Response
Operation Sindoor was launched in the early hours of May 7, 2025, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack, aiming to dismantle terror camps associated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The strikes were carefully planned to avoid civilian casualties and were executed precisely to minimize escalation.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: A Trailblazer in the Indian Army
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals. She joined the Army in 1999 through the Short Service Commission and later received a permanent commission. In 2016, she became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise, commanding the Indian team at ‘Exercise Force 18’.
Colonel Qureshi has also served in United Nations peacekeeping missions, including a notable stint in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006, where she was involved in monitoring ceasefires and supporting humanitarian efforts.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh: A Decorated Helicopter Pilot
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a seasoned helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force, recognized for her participation in high-risk rescue operations under extreme conditions. She has over 2,500 flying hours and has operated in challenging terrains, such as Jammu and Kashmir. Her experience includes missions in high-altitude areas, and she has been instrumental in evacuating civilians during emergencies.
In the Operation Sindoor briefing, Wing Commander Singh emphasized India’s restraint and precision in targeting terrorist infrastructure, aiming to avoid civilian casualties.
The Briefing: A Moment of National Importance
The press briefing on Operation Sindoor, led by Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh, was a landmark event. It was the first time in recent memory that two senior female officers from different branches of the armed forces jointly led a press conference on a cross-service military operation. Their leadership showcased the increasing integration and prominence of women in India’s defense forces.
Representation of Women in India’s Armed Forces
The presence of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh in this high-stakes moment reflects a broader transformation in the Indian defense services:
- Indian Army: Following a 2020 Supreme Court ruling, women were granted the right to permanent commission in multiple branches, including Signals, Engineers, and Military Intelligence.
- Indian Air Force: Since 2016, the IAF has commissioned women as fighter pilots. As of 2025, there are over 25 women in the combat wing.
- Indian Navy: Women have been deployed onboard frontline warships since 2021, and the Navy is now integrating women into submarine training as well.
These developments signify a strategic shift towards inclusivity and the recognition of women’s capabilities in various military roles.
Conclusion
The May 7, 2025, press briefing on Operation Sindoor, led by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, was more than a routine military update—it was a testament to the evolving dynamics of India’s armed forces. Their leadership not only highlighted their individual accomplishments but also symbolized the growing empowerment of women in India’s defense forces. Their presence sent a strong message about the nation’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in its military ranks.
Also Read: Nationwide Mock Drill in India on May 7, 2025: Operation Abhyaas and the 4:00 PM Blackout Simulation
