As tensions rose following India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir underneath Operation Sindoor, two senior ladies officers from the Armed Forces made historical past by collectively addressing the media. Amongst them was Colonel Sophia Qureshi, a embellished officer of the Indian Military’s Corps of Indicators, who stood earlier than the nation and defined the contours of one in all India’s most vital counter-terror operations lately.
Additionally Learn: Operation Sindoor Influence: Defence shares surge as much as 4% as India hits terror hubs in Pakistan, PoJK
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Operation Sindoor, carried out on Could 7, focused 9 terror-related websites with coordinated motion by the Military, Navy, and Air Drive, utilizing particular precision munitions. In a primary, Colonel Qureshi, together with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Drive, represented the tri-services on the nationwide media briefing, alongside Overseas Secretary Vikram Misri.
First lady to steer an Indian navy contingent abroad
Colonel Qureshi isn’t new to breaking boundaries. In 2016, she grew to become the primary Indian lady officer to command a navy contingent in a multinational train — main India’s crew at Train Drive 18, the most important such drill hosted by India. She was the one feminine commander amongst 18 nations collaborating, marking a serious milestone for ladies within the Indian Military.
Main girl
Lt Col Sophia Qureshi, 1st lady officer to steer an Military coaching contingent at Force18 – #ASEAN Plus multin’l discipline trg ex in 2016. She was solely Lady Officers Contingent Commander amongst all #ASEAN Plus contingents. #WomensDay #IWD2020 #EachforEqual #SheInspiresUs pic.twitter.com/CkNipN02mp— Ministry of Defence, Authorities of India (@SpokespersonMoD) March 8, 2020
Hailing from Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi comes from a navy background her grandfather served within the Military, and her husband is a part of the Mechanised Infantry. She holds a postgraduate diploma in biochemistry, showcasing her tutorial power together with navy precision.
UN peacekeeping and international expertise
Colonel Qureshi has additionally served in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, together with an important posting in Congo (2006), the place she monitored ceasefires and supported humanitarian missions. These roles ready her for high-pressure environments like the current situation.
By briefing the press throughout Operation Sindoor, Colonel Qureshi has turn out to be an emblem of India’s evolving navy management one that’s succesful, inclusive, and assured. Her presence on the press briefing was not simply historic, but additionally a testomony to the growing function of ladies in nationwide defence technique.
