New Delhi: India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ briefing, led by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, was historic as the two women officers detailed the military’s precise strikes on terror camps in Pakistan in repose to the April 22 Pahalagam attack that killed 26 people.
While the predawn air strikes named as ‘Operation Sindoor’ was a powerful reminder of women, including newly married, who lost their husbands, singled out on the basis of their religion and killed by terrorists, the two women officers leading the briefing symbolised India’s commitment to fighting terrorism and sent out a strong and significant message of unity and communal harmony while honouring the widows of the fallen.
The decision was widely commended as it also celebrated the resilience and strength of women in India’s military forces.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, speaking after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, stated, “The chosen terror sites were based on credible intelligence and their involvement in cross-border terrorism. No Pakistani military installations were targeted during ‘Operation Sindoor’.”
She also announced that nine terrorist camps were destroyed and shared video footage, demonstrating successful strikes on terror camps in Muridke and Mehmoona Joya camp, Sialkot, which lies 12-18 km inside Pakistan. “It’s one of the biggest camps of Hizbul Mujahideen. It is one of the control centres for spreading terrorism in the Kathua, Jammu region. The camp planned and directed the attack on the Pathankot air force base camp,” she added.
#WATCH | Delhi | #OperationSindoor| Col. Sofiya Qureshi, while addressing the media, presents videos showing destroyed terror camps, including Mehmoona Joya camp, Sialkot, which lies 12-18 km inside Pakistan.
It’s one of the biggest camps of Hizbul Mujahideen. It is one of the… pic.twitter.com/g44j5c1NeH
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025
A decorated officer of the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, she made history in 2016 as the first woman officer to command an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. She was the only female commander among 18 participating contingents.
This native of Gujarat, who holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, comes from a military family. While her grandfather served in the Indian Army, she is married to an officer from the Mechanised Infantry.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh said that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was executed by the Indian Armed Forces to deliver justice for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families. “India has demonstrated considerable restraint in its response. However, the India Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond to a Pakistani misadventure, if any, to escalate the situation.”
With significant expertise in flying Chetak and Cheetah helicopters in demanding regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, she was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and received a permanent commission in the flying branch on December 18, 2019.
Her operational expertise encompasses spearheading vital rescue operations, including a notable mission in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020, where she navigated harsh weather and challenging terrain to provide critical aid and evacuate civilians.
