What does the military leadership of two Indian female officers signify?
Letter to the Editor
By: Deborshi Gautam
In retaliation for the inhumane acts carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army launched a strike on terrorist camps operating on Pakistani soil.
The terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir clearly indicated that it was not merely an attack but a well-planned conspiracy by the Pakistani government, Pakistani army, and Pakistan’s intelligence agencies to spread communal tension in India.
Nearly nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan were destroyed by the Indian Army’s strikes. Importantly, India targeted only terrorist camps—no harm was done to the Pakistani military or civilians. However, Pakistan, which harbors and supports terrorism, could not accept India’s retaliatory action calmly.
As a result of this attack on terrorist camps, a war-like situation emerged between India and Pakistan. To address the details of the attack and counterattack, a press briefing was held, where Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri represented the government, and Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Byomika Singh represented the Indian Army. Colonel Sophia Qureshi is a senior officer in the Indian Army, while Wing Commander Byomika Singh is a female officer in the Indian Air Force.
Instead of assigning a senior male military officer to address the press conference, the decision to have two female officers represent the Indian armed forces and speak before the world created a historic precedent. Through this act, India sent several powerful messages to the world:
India does not tolerate terrorism under any circumstances.
India will not wait for any third-party approval to respond to terrorist activities against it.
India possesses the capability to respond to terrorists in their own language.
India made it clear to both Pakistan and the world that it is a secular nation.
No one in India receives privileges based on religion or caste; everyone earns their place based on merit.
Indian women are strong and always ready to serve the nation.
Indian women have the power to lead the country and are equally devoted to its defense, just like their male counterparts.
The two female officers became living examples before the world of how Indian women stand equally with men in defending the country. Pakistan often attempts to spread false narratives that religious minorities, particularly Muslims, are persecuted in India. The presence of Byomika Singh and Sophia Qureshi at the press briefing served as a fitting response to such misinformation. India demonstrated that all Indian citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or community, unite as one for the nation.
Pakistan and its army must now clearly understand that, unlike the training in religious and ethnic divisions provided in their military, the Indian Army trains all individuals equally—irrespective of religion or caste. The leadership of Indian women in the military not only strengthens the armed forces but also enables them to take swift and intelligent action against enemies. This was evident in Operation Sindoor, which the world witnessed.
Just as Indian mothers are nurturing and protective toward their children, they become impenetrable fortresses when it comes to defending their motherland. Operation Sindoor demonstrated not only India’s robust defense and formidable strike capability but also showed that there is no gender or communal discrimination in India. Suitable authority lies in the hands of capable individuals. India’s democratic structure is strong, and values like patriotism and brotherhood are deeply rooted.
Every eligible and skilled citizen of India has the right to serve in the armed forces. Based on merit and capability, individuals can earn promotions and ascend to top military positions. Under well-established rules and policies, every citizen—regardless of religion, caste, or gender—has the right to reach the highest ranks in India’s military.
Operation Sindoor proved that whether it is a man or a woman, every officer in the Indian Army is ready to lead any challenging mission at any time, and every soldier is committed to ensuring the mission’s success. The two female officers showcased to the world that the Indian Army is in no way inferior to any other military in the world.
(The author is Executive Editor of Assamese E- Magazine Sobdobak)
