Colonel Sofia Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika make history in India’s military briefing

Dubai: For the first time in Indian history, two women officers — Colonel Sofia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force — led an official press briefing on a major military operation.

Their poised and powerful statements during the 'Operation Sindoor' briefing marked a watershed moment, highlighting the growing role of women in India’s armed forces.

Colonel Sofia Qureshi hails from Vadodara, Gujarat, and belongs to a family deeply rooted in military service.

Her grandfather served as a religious teacher in the Indian Army, guiding soldiers in moral and spiritual matters and her husband currently serves in the Mechanized Infantry.

Despite holding a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University (1997), Sofia chose the uniform over a lab coat.

Commissioned in 1990 into the Corps of Signals, she has spent over three decades in the Army, earning admiration for her fearless leadership and unwavering commitment.

In 2016, she made history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian contingent at the ASEAN Plus multinational military exercise ‘Force 18’.

At just 35, she was the only female commander among 18 nations, guiding peacekeeping training efforts.

Her international contributions include representing India during the 2006 UN peacekeeping mission in Congo.

Today, as she leads media briefings on India’s retaliatory strike after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, her credibility stands unquestioned.

Colonel Qureshi continues to inspire young women, urging them to consider a career in the Army: “If possible, join the Indian Army,” she said in a heartfelt appeal.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2004, has logged countless hours in high-risk flying missions.

A helicopter pilot trained on Chetak and Cheetah aircraft, she was promoted to her current rank in 2017.

Her exemplary service includes life-saving flood relief operations in Northeast India, earning her the Signal Officer-in-Chief’s appreciation. She is regarded as a trailblazer for women aviators in the IAF.

The joint appearance of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh wasn’t just historic — it was symbolic.

Their presence sent a strong message: Leadership is defined not by gender but by professionalism experience and dedication.

As India navigates heightened tensions with Pakista, the image of two women officers leading from the front resonates deeply — a testament to the nation’s growing belief in equality and the power of women in command.