Onika Maheshwari / New Delhi

India briefed the global media on the high-stakes Operation Sindoor, all eyes are on two young female officers—Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force—who co-led the presentation alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Their leadership not only underscores the communication strategy of the operation but also marks a significant moment in the evolving role of women in India's defence services.

Colonel Sophia Qureshi has long been a symbol of patience and progress. She made history by commanding the Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise, Exercise Force 18, held in Pune, which involved 18 countries and focused on peacekeeping operations and humanitarian demining. At that time, she was the only female leader among the 18 participating military contingents, leading a 40-member Indian team. Her role was pivotal in fostering cooperation and sharing expertise in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts missions closely aligned with the strategic message of Operation Sindoor.

At 35, she was selected by a group of peace trainers to lead the international military force at Exercise Force 18. She is an officer in the Signal Corps, responsible for military communications and information systems.

An experienced peacekeeper, Sophia served in the United Nations peace mission in Congo in 2006 and has been associated with peace operations for over six years. She hails from Gujarat, holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, and her academic strength complements her military acumen.

Military service runs in her blood; she comes from an army family—her grandfather served in the army, and she is married to an officer in the Mechanized Infantry.

Role in Operation Sindoor

Colonel Qureshi's selection to co-lead the media briefing for Operation Sindoor is not merely formal, it is symbolic.

Operation Sindoor is a coordinated strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, carrying emotional and nationalistic significance, especially following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 civilian casualties.

As a face of India's evolving military doctrine—which emphasizes precision, professionalism, and inclusivity, Colonel Sophia Qureshi represents a new era of leadership in Indian defence: swift, strategic, and fearless.