Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

In a landmark moment for India's defence services, Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force co-led the official briefing on Operation Sindoor, India's cross-border precision strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was launched in retaliation for the April 2025 attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, a tragedy attributed to Pakistan-based militants .

Colonel Sophia Qureshi, an officer in the Corps of Signals, has a distinguished career marked by groundbreaking achievements. Notably, she became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise. In March 2016, she commanded the 40-member Indian contingent at Exercise Force 18 in Pune, India's largest-ever foreign military exercise, involving 18 countries .

Her leadership extends beyond national borders; she served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo in 2006 and has been associated with peace operations for over six years. Her academic background includes a postgraduate degree in biochemistry. Coming from an army family, Colonel Qureshi embodies the values of dedication and service .

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a decorated helicopter pilot with over 2,500 flying hours, has demonstrated exceptional skill and courage throughout her career. She was the first in her family to join the armed forces, inspired by her childhood ambition to fly. Since being commissioned in 2019, she has operated in challenging terrains, including high-altitude sectors in Jammu and Kashmir and remote areas in the Northeast .

In 2021, she participated in an all-women tri-services mountaineering expedition to Mt. Manirang, showcasing her versatility and leadership. Her role in the Operation Sindoor briefing highlighted a significant shift in India's military communication strategy, emphasizing the evolving role of women in defence services .

The joint leadership of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh in presenting Operation Sindoor to the global media underscores a pivotal moment in India's defence history. Their involvement not only reflects the strategic communication priorities of the operation but also symbolizes the growing prominence of women in India's armed forces, breaking traditional barriers and setting new precedents for future generations.

READ MORE: Op Sindoor: India hits terror hotbeds in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, PoJK

As India continues to navigate complex security challenges, the contributions of these officers serve as a testament to the nation's commitment to inclusivity, resilience, and progressive leadership in defence.