Profiles of Women Officers Leading Operation Sindoor Briefing
Date: May 7, 2025
Introduction
Following the success of Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Armed Forces held a joint press conference. This briefing was led by two distinguished women officers: Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi from the Indian Army. Their leadership highlighted India's commitment to gender equality and professionalism in the armed forces.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on December 18, 2004, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a helicopter pilot with over 2,500 flying hours. She has operated in challenging terrains such as Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast. A graduate in engineering, she joined the Air Force with a passion for aviation. In 2021, she participated in a tri-services exercise at Mount Manirang, showcasing her mountaineering skills.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a senior officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Lucknow on April 18, 1972, she was commissioned in 1994. She has served in counter-insurgency operations and led India's first all-female contingent in a UN peacekeeping mission in Congo in 2016. She has also held leadership roles in cyber defense and strategic communications. Her accolades include the Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
Significance of Their Leadership
Assigning the responsibility of the Operation Sindoor press briefing to Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi underscores India's dedication to gender inclusivity in its armed forces. Their roles in this high-profile event send a strong message about women's integral participation in national defense and strategic operations.