Operation Sindoor marks a pivotal moment in modern warfare, demonstrating India’s advanced capabilities in multi-domain precision warfare, according to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Speaking at the ‘Chanakya Defence Dialogue: Young Leaders Forum,’ Col. Qureshi, a notable figure from the ‘Op Sindoor’ media briefings, elaborated on the operation’s strategic implications.
She detailed how the Pakistani side employed information warfare during the conflict and urged the youth to remain vigilant against misinformation, advocating for enhanced digital literacy across educational institutions. Col. Qureshi emphasized that Operation Sindoor represented a “paradigm shift” in warfighting, validating India’s prowess in what she termed “fifth generation” multi-domain precision warfare.
The operation was a remarkable display of tri-service synergy, integration, and self-reliance, embodying a “whole-of-nation” approach where industry, academia, and the armed forces collaborate as a unified security ecosystem. The Indian Army, under the Chief of Army Staff’s leadership, is actively fostering expertise in cutting-edge technologies like AI and cyber warfare through collaborations with leading institutions.
Col. Qureshi invoked historical examples of patriotism and sacrifice, from freedom fighters Bhagat Singh and Ashfaqulla Khan to martyrs Capt. Vikram Batra and Maj. Sandeep Unnikrishnan, underscoring that “bravery has no gender.” She also referenced the Army Chief’s remarks about the diverse roles played by the youth during Operation Sindoor, from military officers and NCC cadets to social media contributors.
Addressing the youth directly, Col. Qureshi stated, “You, the Yuva Shakti of Bharat, are force multipliers.” She highlighted their readiness to engage in both kinetic and non-kinetic domains, including cyber and information warfare, reminding them that modern conflicts are fought not just with bullets but also with bytes and bandwidth.
With India boasting a young population, with over 65% below 35, Col. Qureshi described the youth as a “strategic reserve” of energy, innovation, and commitment, crucial for achieving a developed and technologically sovereign nation. She pointed to global conflicts where young innovators have led technological advancements in warfare, such as drones, cyber, and electronic warfare.
The Chanakya Defence Dialogue aims to channel the youth’s energy and acknowledge their vital contributions to national security. Col. Qureshi concluded by urging the youth to be agile, bold, courageous, knowledgeable, innovative, disciplined, and sincere, encapsulating this in the ‘ABC of KIDS’ mantra to build a stronger and more secure India (‘Sashakt and Surkshit Bharat’).