- Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi spoke together to the media, showcasing their leadership in the Indian Armed Forces
- The briefing centered on the recently held Operation Sindoor and its main findings
- Their combined appearance was a notable moment in demonstrating women's increasing role in combat operations
Two high-ranking personnel of the Indian Armed Forces, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sophia Qureshi, collectively answered media queries earlier today in delivering information about recently completed Operation Sindoor.
Colonel Sophia, an illustrious Corps of Signals officer, broke history by becoming the first lady officer to command an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. In 2016, she led India's contingent at 'Exercise Force 18', India's biggest-ever foreign military drill, and was the lone female commander from amongst 18 countries participating in it.
A Gujarati by birth, Colonel Sophia is a postgraduate in biochemistry and has a proud military lineage — her grandfather was also in the Indian Army. She is married to a Mechanised Infantry officer.
Her career history spans six years of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, including a mission critical to the UN Mission in Congo in 2006. Looking back, she described the significance of peacekeeping operations, such as ceasefire monitoring and facilitating humanitarian missions, as a "proud moment." She has inspired other women in uniform to strive for excellence and bring honor to the country. Her leadership was also appreciated by Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, the then Army Commander of Southern Command, who said that her appointment was merit and leadership based, not gender based.
Speaking on behalf of the Indian Air Force and officers from the Navy and Army, Wing Commander Vyomika provided official information about India's cross-border operation and the focus areas of the operation. She is among the few women officers attending a top-level joint media briefing of this kind.
Her journey to the Air Force was prompted by an early childhood wish to fly. From her days in school, she was intent on soaring the skies—an ambition which is embodied in the symbolism of her name, "Vyomika," which means an affinity with the sky.
