Wed May 07 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Indian Women Officers Lead International Press Briefing on Operation Sindoor
**NEW DELHI** – The Indian Army and Air Force took center stage in an international press briefing on Operation Sindoor, showcasing the growing role of women in the nation’s defense services. Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force jointly addressed the media alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Colonel Qureshi, a Gujarat native with a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, has distinguished herself through exceptional leadership and dedication. Her recent appointment to command a multinational army drill involving 18 countries during Exercise Force 18 made headlines, marking her as the sole female commander of a national army contingent. She led a 40-person Indian team. With a background in the Signal Corps, responsible for communication and information systems within the army, Colonel Qureshi’s experience also includes a UN peacekeeping mission in Congo (2006) and over six years of service in peacekeeping operations. She is a graduate of the elite Peacekeeping Training Group. Her family also has a strong military connection, with her grandfather having served in the army and her husband currently an officer in the Mechanized Infantry.
This joint press conference highlights the increasing prominence of women in the Indian armed forces, not just in domestic roles but also on the global stage. The participation of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh underscores India’s commitment to gender equality and the expanding capabilities of its female officers.
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