Meet the Female Commanders Behind Operation Sindoor: Colonel Sophia Qureshi & Wing Commander Vyomika Singh

On May 7, 2025, as India launched Operation Sindoor—a series of precision airstrikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir—two remarkable women, Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, emerged as the public faces of the mission. Their leadership and representation mark a significant milestone in the Indian Armed Forces' journey toward greater gender inclusivity.

🇮🇳 Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Response

Operation Sindoor was initiated in retaliation for the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of 26 Indian Hindu tourists. The Indian Air Force executed targeted strikes on nine locations associated with terrorist organizations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The operation aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure while minimizing civilian casualties, though reports indicate that some civilian areas were affected, leading to international concern and calls for restraint.

Colonel Sophia Qureshi: Trailblazer in Uniform

Colonel Sophia Qureshi, an officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals, has a distinguished career marked by several firsts. 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'. Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi holds a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry and joined the Army at the age of 17. Her service includes six years with United Nations peacekeeping missions, notably in Congo, where she was involved in monitoring ceasefires and supporting humanitarian efforts.

During the press briefing on Operation Sindoor, Colonel Qureshi provided detailed insights into the objectives and outcomes of the mission, emphasizing the precision and necessity of the strikes in response to cross-border terrorism.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh: Voice of the Skies

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force co-led the media briefing alongside Colonel Qureshi, offering perspectives on the aerial aspects of Operation Sindoor. While specific details about her career are limited in public sources, her role in communicating the Air Force's actions and strategies during the operation underscores the increasing responsibilities and visibility of women in the Indian military.

Significance of Their Leadership

The prominent roles of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh in Operation Sindoor reflect the Indian Armed Forces' commitment to gender inclusivity and the recognition of women's capabilities in high-stakes military operations. Their leadership during a critical national security mission serves as an inspiration and a testament to the evolving dynamics within the defense forces.

As the nation continues to grapple with security challenges, the contributions of these trailblazing officers highlight the importance of diverse leadership and the breaking of traditional barriers in the armed forces.

Note: For further information on Operation Sindoor and the roles of Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, please refer to official statements from the Indian Ministry of Defence and verified news outlets.