In the wake of India‘s decisive military strikes on terror infrastructure across the border following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, a rare and poignant moment of national solidarity unfolded. Two senior women officers—Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force—jointly addressed the media on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ the counter-terror operation launched by Indian forces.
The presence of these officers, representing different faiths and two branches of the armed forces, delivered a powerful message of national unity and secularism at a time when the terror strike sought to sow communal discord.
The symbolism of this joint address was not lost in the public consciousness. As the nation processed the latest episode of cross-border terrorism, the sight of these decorated officers leading the charge not only reassured citizens but also stood as a quiet testament to the harmony, diversity, and resilience of the Indian military.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is no stranger to breaking barriers. Her distinguished service record was notably recognized by the Supreme Court in its landmark 2020 ruling in The Secretary, Ministry of Defence v. Babita Puniya & Others, which paved the way for granting Permanent Commission to women officers in the Indian Army. The Court had rejected the government’s position that women were less suitable for command roles, citing Qureshi’s achievements to underscore the fallacy of gender-based assumptions in military service.
As the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in the multinational military exercise “Force 18”—the largest of its kind held in India—Qureshi’s leadership and tactical capabilities were celebrated on an international platform. She also served with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo in 2006, where she was involved in monitoring ceasefires and facilitating humanitarian operations in conflict-ridden regions.
The judgment also listed other exceptional women officers who have brought honor to the Army and the nation. Lieutenant Colonel Anuvandana Jaggi led the Women’s Team in the UN Mission in Burundi, earning commendations from both the UN and Indian Army. Major Madhumita, from the Army Education Corps, became the first woman in the Indian Armed Forces to be awarded the Sena Medal for gallantry after her heroic actions in Afghanistan against Taliban militants.
Other notable mentions included Lieutenant A. Divya, who was awarded the Sword of Honour at the Officers Training Academy, Chennai in 2010, outshining 227 fellow officers, including men. Major Gopika Ajitsingh Pawar was honored with the UN Peacekeeping Medal for her service in Lebanon, while Major Madhu Rana, Preeti Singh, and Anuja Yadav earned UN Medals for their contributions in Congo.
Additionally, Captain Ashwini Pawar and Captain Shipra Majumdar were recipients of the Sewa Medal from the President of India in 2007, recognizing their meritorious service.
The Supreme Court, in its 2020 ruling, categorically dismissed arguments suggesting that biological or social factors made women less fit for military leadership. It emphasized that such views undermined the constitutional principle of equality and failed to recognize the commitment and competence consistently demonstrated by women in uniform.
“Women officers in the Indian Army have brought distinction to the force,” the Court observed, noting their roles in combat zones including Syria, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and Israel. Since 2008, they have also served in Quick Reaction Teams and have commanded military convoys through insurgency-affected regions such as Leh, Srinagar, Udhampur, and the North East.
The Court concluded emphatically: “Their service record is exemplary. To question their ability on the basis of gender not only violates their dignity but disrespects the ethos of the Indian Army—an institution where men and women serve with equal honor in pursuit of a common mission.”
As the country continues to confront challenges to its internal security, the image of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh leading from the front reflects the very ideals the armed forces seek to protect—unity in diversity, unwavering service, and a commitment to justice that transcends all divisions.
