India launched a military operation in the early hours of May 7, 2025, Wednesday. It targeted terrorist infrastructure throughout Pakistan and the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
Under the code name Operation Sindoor, air, naval, and land-based assets were deployed in a tri-services operation. It is the largest cross-border precision strike India has conducted since the 2019 Balakot operation.
Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh made history today by addressing the nation about Operation Sindoor. Many of you must be curious about who they are. So in this article, we'll provide a brief background on these two remarkable military officers and their contributions to the Indian Armed Forces.
Check Out| What is Operation Sindoor? 10 Key Things You Need To Know
Who is Lt Colonel Sophia Qureshi?
Source: ScoopWhoop
Lt Colonel Sophia Qureshi is a remarkable figure in the Indian Armed Forces, representing progress and resilience. Sophia is an officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals.
Hailing from Gujarat, she made history by being the first woman officer to command an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise, Exercise Force 18. This important event, which took place in Pune and involved eighteen nations, was centred on humanitarian efforts and peacekeeping missions.
Being born and brought up in an army family, with her grandfather and husband both in the Indian military, she was inspired to dedicate her career to the Indian Army. Looking at her academic career, Sophia holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, showcasing her intellectual capabilities alongside her military acumen.
- In a historic move in 2016, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi became the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at the major multinational military exercise, Exercise Force 18, held in Pune.
- Leading India's 40-member team, Colonel Qureshi stood out as the sole female commander among 18 nations participating in Exercise Force 18, which centred on peacekeeping and humanitarian mine action.
- An officer of the Corps of Signals, responsible for military communication, Colonel Qureshi's command at Exercise Force 18 was attributed to her strong capabilities and leadership, as stated by then Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Bipin Rawat.
- With over six years dedicated to peacekeeping, including a 2006 UN mission in Congo, Colonel Qureshi brought significant experience to her leadership role.
- Rooted in a military family and married to an Army officer, this biochemistry postgraduate from Gujarat demonstrated both academic and military prowess.
Sophia's Contribution in 'Operation Sindoor'
Source: newsx.com
Alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Lt Colonel Sophia Qureshi briefed the media on 'Operation Sindoor', how India struck nine terrorist infrastructures in both Pakistan and POK.
The presence of two senior female officers on the panel briefing the media about Operation Sindoor is not only a watershed moment, but it also reflects India's commitment to honouring the widows of those killed in the heinous Pahalgam attack on April 22. It also highlights the evolving role of women in India's defence services.
What's Next| Scalp Missile (Storm Shadow): Check its Cost, Range, Specifications and Characteristics
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation