Who Are Colonel Sofiya Qureshi And Wing Commander Vyomika Singh? All You Need To Know About The Women Behind Operation Sindoor

Sofiya Qureshi And Vyomika Singh: The nation woke up to news of India’s swift retaliatory mission, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen. Under the codename Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces executed precision strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Following the strikes, a press briefing was conducted by National Security Advisor Vikram Misri, with key updates shared by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. But who are these two officers, leading the briefing on one of India’s most significant military operations in recent years?

Who Is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi?

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated officer of the Indian Army's Corps of Signals, is known for breaking barriers in the military. She made history as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. In 2016, she led India's participation in ‘Exercise Force 18’, the largest foreign military drill hosted by India, where she stood out as the only female commander among 18 participating contingents.

#WATCH | Delhi | #OperationSindoor| Col. Sofiya Qureshi, while addressing the media, presents videos showing destroyed terror camps, including from the Muridke where those involved in the 2008 Mumbai Terror attacks - Ajmal Kasab and David Headley received their training..." pic.twitter.com/tNpsDf92Wu

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025

A postgraduate in Biochemistry from Gujarat, Qureshi hails from a military family as her grandfather served in the Indian Army, and her husband is a Mechanised Infantry officer. Her extensive experience includes six years with the United Nations' Peacekeeping Operations, including a notable mission in Congo in 2006, as per India Today report.

Who Is Vyomika Singh?

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a skilled helicopter pilot with the Indian Air Force’s journey began with her joining the National Cadet Corps (NCC), followed by a degree in engineering, making her the first in her family to join the armed forces. In December 2019, she became the first woman in her branch to be granted a permanent commission as a helicopter pilot in the IAF.

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With over 2,500 flying hours, Singh has operated helicopters like the Chetak and Cheetah in challenging terrains across India, from Jammu and Kashmir's high-altitude regions to the remote areas of the Northeast, as per India Today.

In 2020, she led a life-saving rescue mission in Arunachal Pradesh, evacuating civilians under extreme conditions. She also participated in a historic all-women mountaineering expedition to Mt. Manirang (21,650 ft) in 2021.

#WATCH | Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Col. Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh to address the media on #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/5aTqmaBTMS

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025

At the Operation Sindoor press briefing, Singh not only informed the nation about the military operation but also highlighted a shift in how India’s armed forces communicate and represent themselves.

Operation Sindoor

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh led the high-level briefing to update the media and the nation on the intent and execution of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

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At the official press conference, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi presented video evidence from the operation, showing successful strikes on terror camps in Muridke and other regions in Pakistan and PoJK. The footage, captured by onboard targeting systems and surveillance drones, confirmed multiple direct hits on key terrorist infrastructure, including camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

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Credits: ANI Twitter