“Trailblazing Leadership: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh briefing on Operation Sindoor

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh have emerged as prominent figures in India’s military leadership, exemplifying the increasing role of women in the armed forces. Their recent joint press briefing on Operation Sindoor underscored this progression.

Colonel Qureshi, an officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, made history in 2016 by becoming the first woman to command an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise, leading the team at ‘Exercise Force 18’. With a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, she has also served in United Nations peacekeeping missions, including a notable tenure in Congo. Her leadership in Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, highlights her strategic acumen and dedication to national security.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, representing the Indian Air Force, played a pivotal role in the same operation. During the press briefing, she emphasized India’s restraint and precision in the strikes, aiming to minimize civilian casualties while effectively neutralizing threats.

Their leadership not only signifies the operational capabilities of women in defense but also reflects the broader shift towards gender inclusivity within India’s military. As women continue to break barriers in various defense roles, the contributions of officers like Qureshi and Singh serve as inspiring benchmarks for future generations.