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Who Are Col. Sophia Qureshi & W. C Vyomika Singh: Operation Sindoor

May 7, 2025| May 7, 2025 6 min read

Introduction

In a nation where the armed forces have long symbolized strength, honor, and discipline, Indian women officers are increasingly becoming the torchbearers of change and inclusivity. Among them, Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force stand out as inspirational figures. Their careers not only break barriers of gender but also exemplify the highest standards of service, leadership, and commitment to the nation.

Colonel Sophia Qureshi – A Pathfinder in the Indian Army

Early Life and Education

Colonel Sophia Qureshi was born in Vadodara, Gujarat, into a military family. Her passion for service was likely inspired by her grandfather, who also served in the Indian Army. Holding a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry, Sophia joined the Army through the Officers Training Academy (OTA) and was commissioned into the Corps of Signals in 1999.

A Historic Milestone: Exercise Force 18

Colonel Qureshi made history in March 2016 when she became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. She commanded a 40-member Indian team during ‘Exercise Force 18’, held in Pune under the aegis of the ASEAN Plus grouping. What made this moment more remarkable was that she was also the only female contingent commander among representatives from 18 participating nations.

Her performance was lauded for professionalism, tactical insight, and leadership under pressure. According to The Indian Express, this event was the largest foreign military exercise hosted by India up to that point (source).

UN Peacekeeping and Global Training

Colonel Qureshi is no stranger to international military diplomacy. In 2006, she served as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her outstanding performance earned her further responsibilities, including training the Cambodian army and police on UN operations and teaching Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC) in South Africa.

As per an interview with Rediff.com, Colonel Qureshi sees every opportunity as a learning experience and believes that discipline, competence, and self-belief can break through any traditional barriers (source).

Personal Life and Philosophy

Colonel Qureshi’s husband is also an officer in the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry. Despite the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, she has always emphasized the importance of perseverance and staying mentally strong.

“We are not here to prove anything. We are here to do our duty. Gender does not define your abilities — training and resolve do,” she said in an interview.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh – Scaling New Heights in the Indian Air Force

Commitment to Adventure and Service

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh represents the Indian Air Force’s commitment to fostering courage, skill, and discipline among its officers — regardless of gender. While her early career details remain out of the public spotlight, her contributions to military adventure and fitness reflect her resolve and energy.

Mt. Manirang Expedition – A Symbol of National Pride

In August 2021, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh was a member of the all-women tri-services mountaineering team that successfully scaled Mount Manirang (21,625 ft), one of the highest peaks in Himachal Pradesh. This challenging mission was part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative commemorating India’s 75th year of independence.

The expedition, flagged off by senior Air Force officials, was not just a mountaineering milestone but a symbolic assertion of women’s capabilities in the harshest of conditions. The achievement was widely covered by national defense media outlets such as Aviation Defence Universe (source).

Promoting Fitness, Courage, and Unity

Apart from the physical challenges, high-altitude expeditions like the Manirang mission require mental stamina, team spirit, and survival skills. Vyomika Singh and her colleagues trained rigorously for months, showcasing the Indian Armed Forces’ growing trust in women leaders for elite and physically demanding missions.

The Larger Message: Women in Uniform Leading the Way

Both Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh exemplify a broader transformation within India’s military institutions. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have increasingly opened roles and leadership positions to women officers — in combat, logistics, intelligence, engineering, and now special operations and strategic missions.

Their stories are more than personal victories. They serve as beacons of possibility for young Indian women dreaming of donning the uniform.

Institutional Progress

Permanent Commission is now available to women officers in various wings.
Women are serving in front-line roles like fighter pilots, submariners (recently approved), and as commanding officers.
Military schools and NDA (National Defence Academy) are now open to girls.

Conclusion

The legacies of Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh are etched in modern Indian military history — not just as firsts, but as leaders who carried the tricolor to greater heights, both literally and symbolically. Their courage, competence, and conviction are a testament to what India’s daughters can achieve when given the right opportunity and support.

As the Indian Armed Forces continue to evolve with the times, the examples set by such women will be invaluable in shaping a more inclusive and resilient defense force for the future.

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