Who are Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi?

Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, India launched a decisive military action called Operation Sindoor. The operation not only targeted terrorist infrastructure but also highlighted the leadership of two remarkable women officers: Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army. Their role at this critical juncture underscores the emerging dynamics of India’s defence forces and the growing prominence of women in military leadership.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh: A trailblazer in the skies

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who joined the IAF on December 18, 2004, has carved a niche for herself in a field predominantly dominated by men. Specialising in helicopter operations, she has flown aircraft such as the Chetak and the Cheetah, displaying exceptional skill and dedication.

Apart from her aviation prowess, Wing Commander Singh has been an active participant in several high-altitude expeditions. Notably, she was part of a women mountaineering team that successfully scaled Mount Manirang in Himachal Pradesh, an initiative organised by the IAF to celebrate ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, Wing Commander Singh played a key role in briefing the media, providing information on the objectives and outcomes of the operation. Her clear communication and authoritative presence exemplify the professionalism and capability of women officers in the armed forces.

Colonel Sophia Qureshi: Breaking Barriers in the Army

Colonel Sofia Qureshi’s journey in the Indian Army is filled with many phenomenal achievements. Hailing from Vadodara, Gujarat, Sofia Qureshi comes from a family with a military background. Her grandfather and father served in the Army, instilling in her a deep sense of duty and patriotism.

After joining the Corps of Signals, Colonel Qureshi soon distinguished herself with her dedication and leadership abilities. In 2016, she created history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in ‘Exercise Force 18’, a multinational military exercise held in Pune.

During Operation Sindoor, Colonel Qureshi was at the forefront, providing detailed information about the operation. He stressed that the aim of the operation was to provide justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack by targeting and destroying nine terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Pahalgam terror attack: Catalyst for action

On April 22, 2025, a brutal terror attack took place in the quiet town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Five armed terrorists targeted non-Muslim tourists, resulting in the tragic death of at least 28 civilians, including Hindu and Christian visitors, as well as a local Muslim.

The attackers, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, infiltrated the Baisaran Valley, and attacked taking advantage of the dense pine forests. The incident sent shockwaves across the country, resembling the 2019 Pulwama attack and prompting demands for a decisive retaliation.

Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Military Response

In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, a carefully planned military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation involved precision airstrikes on nine locations identified as hubs of terrorist activity, including locations associated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

India’s defence forces used advanced military technology to ensure the accuracy of the strikes, which were aimed at minimising collateral damage. Despite these efforts, Pakistan reported civilian casualties, leading to heightened tensions between the two countries.

Pakistan also claimed to have shot down several Indian jets in the operation, a claim India disputed. This was followed by artillery firing along the LoC, causing more casualties on both sides.

Global reactions and way forward

The escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours raised international concerns. Global leaders, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Turkey, called for restraint and stressed the importance of diplomatic dialogue to prevent the situation from worsening further.

Domestically, the Indian government said Operation Sindoor was a necessary and appropriate response to the Pahalgam attack. Defence officials highlighted the operation’s success in destroying key terrorist infrastructure and reaffirmed India’s commitment to fighting terrorism. New York Post

Symbolic leadership in challenging times

The roles of Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofia Qureshi in the context of Operation Sindoor underscore the emerging landscape of India’s defence forces. Their leadership, professionalism and dedication are a testament to the capabilities of women in the military and their significant contribution to national security.

While India grapples with complex security challenges, the exemplary service of officers like Singh and Qureshi provides inspiration and sets an example for future generations. Their stories are not just about individual achievements, but also about the broader story of a nation striving for peace, security and equality.

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