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In a powerful and symbolic moment, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Colonel Sophia Qureshi jointly addressed the media to brief the nation on Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the horrific Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead on April 22.

The decision to have two women officers, Wing Commander Singh and Colonel Qureshi, lead the briefing carried deep significance. It reflected India’s firm resolve to combat terrorism, paid tribute to the widows of those killed, and delivered a strong message of unity and communal harmony in the face of brutal sectarian violence.

The name ‘Sindoor’—a red vermillion mark traditionally worn by married Hindu women—was a poignant reference to the Pahalgam massacre, where terrorists targeted and executed men, including newlyweds, based on their religious identity.

#WATCH | Delhi | #OperationSindoor| Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, " A group calling itself the Resistance Front has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is a Front for UN proscribed Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba...Investigations into the Pahalgam… pic.twitter.com/JqpIbHrttN

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025

WHO ARE THESE OFFICERS?

 

Colonel Sophia Qureshi: A Trailblazer in the Indian Army

Colonel Sophia Qureshi, an officer from the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, is a name synonymous with leadership, courage, and breaking barriers. At just 35 years old, she has already made military history with a string of pioneering achievements that continue to inspire both within and outside the armed forces.

One of her most celebrated milestones came in March 2016, when she became the first woman officer ever to lead an Army contingent at a multinational military exercise. The event—Exercise Force 18—was the largest foreign military exercise ever hosted by India and took place in Pune from March 2 to March 8. It involved military personnel from 18 nations, including ASEAN countries and major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

#WATCH | Delhi | #OperationSindoor| Col. Sofiya Qureshi, while addressing the media, presents videos showing multiple hits on the Mundrike and other terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoJK. pic.twitter.com/Ih21EklEe5

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025

In this elite group, then-Lieutenant Colonel Qureshi was the only woman officer leading a contingent, marking her as a standout figure for her operational expertise, confidence, and commitment to excellence.

Colonel Qureshi also brings deep international experience, particularly in peacekeeping. In 2006, she served as a military observer with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, and has been actively involved in peacekeeping roles since 2010, contributing significantly in a domain where Indian armed forces play a global role.

Military service is part of Colonel Qureshi’s family heritage. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, and she is married to an officer in the Mechanised Infantry. Her journey represents a blend of legacy and leadership, showing how women are reshaping the Indian military narrative.

Known for her composure and strength, Colonel Qureshi is often described as a symbol of dignity and perseverance—“not your girl next door,” but a commanding figure who has opened doors for future generations of women in uniform.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh: A Childhood Dream Turned Mission

For Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, the dream of flying began in childhood. With early involvement in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and a background in engineering, she became the first person in her family to join the armed forces. She was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force, and on December 18, 2019, she received a permanent commission in the flying branch, a significant milestone for women aviators in India.

#WATCH |Delhi | #OperationSindoor| Wing Commander Vyomika Singh says, "Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and successfully destroyed...… pic.twitter.com/Gmw6WHrYVO

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025

Over her career, Wing Commander Singh has logged more than 2,500 flying hours, piloting helicopters such as the Chetak and Cheetah in some of India’s most challenging terrains—including Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast. Her flying missions have frequently involved high-risk rescue operations and vital support in remote, high-altitude regions where air mobility is a lifeline.

A defining moment came in November 2020, when she led a critical rescue mission in Arunachal Pradesh. Operating in harsh weather and inaccessible locations, her efforts were vital in saving lives and exemplified the courage and skill demanded of military pilots.

In addition to her operational role, Wing Commander Singh has contributed to high-endurance missions. In 2021, she participated in a tri-services all-women mountaineering expedition to Mt. Manirang, a 21,650-foot peak in Himachal Pradesh. The mission was recognised by senior defence leadership, including the Chief of Air Staff, and stood as a testament to the growing inclusion of women in leadership and combat-support roles across the Indian armed forces.

Her career not only reflects excellence in service but also the aspirations of countless young women looking to the skies and beyond, proving that dreams backed by dedication can transform into missions of national pride.

Also Read: PM Modi calls 'Operation Sindoor' a proud moment: Report

ABOUT OPERATION SINDOOR

 

In a decisive and carefully coordinated military operation, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of the morning, striking nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The pre-dawn strikes were a tri-services effort involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and were aimed at eliminating terrorist infrastructure believed to be behind recent attacks on Indian soil.

In an official statement, the Indian Army confirmed the operation:

“A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched OPERATION SINDOOR, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine sites have been targeted.”

High-Value Targets Hit in Bahawalpur and Muridke

According to senior Indian defence officials, two of the most significant targets were struck in Bahawalpur, a known stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Muridke, the ideological hub of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). In these two locations alone, intelligence estimates suggest 25 to 30 terrorists were killed at each site.

In Muridke, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Masjid wa Markaz Taiba, considered the nerve centre and ideological headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Often described as the "terror nursery" of Pakistan, this site has long been on the radar of Indian and international intelligence agencies for its role in training and indoctrinating militants.

Terror Camp Details and Casualty Estimates

While intelligence agencies are still conducting post-strike assessments, preliminary reports estimate that between 80 and 90 terrorists were neutralised across all nine locations.

Additional JeM-affiliated camps that were struck include:

• Sarjal at Tehra Kalan
• Markaz Abbas in Kotli
• Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad
• Two LeT-linked facilities were also targeted:
• Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala
• Shwawai Nalla camp in Muzaffarabad
• Meanwhile, two Hizbul Mujahideen training centres were hit:
• Makaz Raheel Shahid in Kotli
• Mehmoona Joya camp in Sialkot

Geographical Spread and Strategic Intent

Out of the nine sites hit during Operation Sindoor, four were located deep inside Pakistan, while the remaining five were situated in PoK. Indian defence sources emphasised that no Pakistani military installations were targeted. However, they noted that elements of Pakistan’s Army, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Special Services Group (SSG) are believed to have played a role in supporting the terror infrastructure at some of these locations.

Pakistan’s Response and Cross-Border Escalation

Following the strikes, Pakistan confirmed civilian casualties, stating that eight civilians, including one child, had been killed. Islamabad described the operation as a "blatant act of war."

In retaliation, Pakistani forces initiated heavy cross-border shelling along both the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian officials reported that three Indian civilians were killed in the barrage. Indian security forces responded immediately, and as per the latest updates, exchange of fire between the two sides was ongoing.

Operation Sindoor marks a significant escalation in India’s counterterrorism response, especially in the wake of recent civilian attacks such as the one in Pahalgam. With carefully selected targets, high-precision strikes, and a clear avoidance of civilian infrastructure, the operation signals India's intent to dismantle terror networks at their source while maintaining a calibrated military approach.

As the situation continues to evolve, Indian security agencies remain on high alert, monitoring potential reprisals and preparing for further strategic responses if required.

 

Also Read: Women officers who led Operation Sindoor briefing