Col Sofiya Qureshi, a prominent face in media briefings on Operation Sindoor, highlighted the transformative impact of the military action on India’s warfighting capabilities during her address at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue: Young Leaders Forum held at the Manekshaw Centre on Friday. According to her, Operation Sindoor brought a “paradigm shift” in modern warfare, demonstrating India’s proficiency in multi-domain precision operations and reinforcing the critical role of youth in national security.

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Indian forces successfully neutralized multiple terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation also included counter-offensives in response to Pakistani military actions, concluding on May 10 after both sides reached an understanding to halt hostilities.

Col Qureshi described Operation Sindoor as a “fifth-generation” military endeavor that validated India’s capabilities across land, air, and cyber domains. She emphasized the extraordinary demonstration of tri-service synergy, integration, and aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). She coined the term “JAI”—jointness, self-reliance, and innovation vision—reflecting a whole-of-nation approach in which youth from industry, academia, and the armed forces operate as a unified security ecosystem.

“Op Sindoor has brought a paradigm shift in warfighting, proving that peace, stability, and progress cannot be sustained without the participation of young minds and civilians,” Col Qureshi said. She underscored the significance of nurturing young officers in niche technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and drones, facilitated through collaborations with IITs, DRDO, and other agencies.

The officer also addressed the role of information warfare, noting that the Pakistani side attempted to manipulate narratives during the operation. She urged the youth to be agile and alert in countering misinformation and emphasized digital literacy, particularly in academic institutions, to strengthen national resilience against such threats.

Col Qureshi drew parallels between historical and contemporary examples of courage and sacrifice, referencing freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Ashfaqullah Khan, as well as military heroes such as Capt Vikram Batra and Maj Sandeep Unnikrishnan. She reiterated that bravery transcends gender and that the nation’s youth are essential participants in maintaining security and national integrity.

Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, she noted that over 65% of the population is below 35 years of age, a segment belonging largely to Gen Z. “This is not just a demographic dividend; it is our strategic reserve,” she said, urging young people to channel their energy, innovation, and sense of duty into building a secure, technologically sovereign, and developed Bharat.

Col Qureshi stressed that modern conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, have underscored the growing importance of technology-driven warfare, where drones, cyber capabilities, electronic warfare, and information operations have redefined the role of youth. “Youth have played a pivotal role both in uniform and as civilians in strengthening the national security framework,” she said, adding that their contributions extend to disaster relief and other public safety efforts, making the nation more resilient.

Her presentation, titled “Volunteering for Valour: Supporting Nation’s Security”, urged youth to embrace a multi-faceted understanding of warfare. “You are not only trained in firepower but also in firewalls. War is fought not just with bullets, but with bytes and bandwidth,” she said, highlighting the need for technological competence alongside traditional military skills.

Col Qureshi concluded with a motivational message for young Indians, urging them to embody courage, innovation, discipline, and sincerity. She shared the mantra of ‘ABC of KIDS’: be Agile and Alert, Bold, Courageous, Competent, and of Character, embrace Knowledge, engage in Innovation, generate Ideas, Inspire others, be Disciplined and Dynamic, and contribute sincerely toward a Sashakt (empowered) and Surakshit (secure) Bharat.

Her address emphasized that the future of India lies in the hands of its youth, whether they serve as soldiers, teachers, coders, or designers, and that the nation’s security and development depend on their active participation, innovation, and commitment.

Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, addressing another session of the dialogue, reinforced these points, noting that many young Indians had participated in Operation Sindoor in various capacities—military officers, NCC cadets, civil defense volunteers, drone operators, and even as social media warriors managing information warfare.

In essence, Col Qureshi’s address framed Operation Sindoor not just as a military success but as a testament to India’s evolving defense doctrine, emphasizing the integration of youth, technology, and multi-domain operations in modern warfighting strategies.