Choice of the word 'Sindoor' in India's anti-terror operation: Symbolic feminism or patriarchal strategy?

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava* 

In the aftermath of a war and subsequent ceasefire in 2025, Operation Sindoor has emerged as a focal point of national discourse, not only for its military objectives but also for its symbolic framing. The operation, named after a traditional marker of Hindu marital identity, and the prominent roles of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force in its media briefings, have been widely celebrated as a step toward gender inclusivity. 

However, a closer examination reveals a complex interplay of symbolism, strategy, and systemic patriarchy that raises questions about the authenticity of this apparent feminist progress. Indeed, there is a need to critically analyze the operation’s name, the role of women in its execution, and the broader implications for gender equity in India’s defense and political spheres.

The Significance of the Name "Sindoor" 

The choice of "Sindoor" as the operation’s name is laden with cultural and political implications. Sindoor, a vermillion powder traditionally applied by married Hindu women, symbolizes marital status and, by extension, a woman’s identity tied to her husband. Unlike past military operations—such as Operation Vijay (1999), Operation Cactus Lily (1971), or Operation Trident (1971)—which drew on neutral or strategic terminology, "Sindoor" invokes a gendered and religiously specific symbol. This marks a departure from convention and raises questions about intent.

Proponents argue the name reflects solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, where terrorists reportedly targeted individuals based on religion, leaving widows in mourning. Media reports, such as those from NDTV, suggest the name was a "masterstroke" to send a message to perpetrators. 

However, this justification is speculative, as detailed investigations into the attack are still pending. Moreover, sindoor is not a universal symbol across India’s diverse religious and cultural landscape, potentially alienating non-Hindu communities at a time of heightened communal sensitivity.

Critically, sindoor is a product of patriarchal tradition, with no equivalent marker for married men. Its use reinforces the notion that a woman’s societal value is linked to her marital status, perpetuating gender inequity. Naming a national security operation after such a symbol risks embedding patriarchal values into public institutions, undermining the armed forces’ role as defenders of equality. 

In a country grappling with high rates of domestic violence, female unemployment, and gender-based discrimination, this choice appears regressive and out of step with aspirations for gender justice.

Women in the Spotlight: Empowerment or Tokenism?

The selection of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh to lead Operation Sindoor’s media briefings has been hailed as a milestone for gender representation. Both officers are highly decorated: Qureshi, the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at the multinational exercise Force 18, and Singh, a helicopter pilot with over 2,500 flying hours, exemplify professional excellence. 

Their visibility has been framed by media outlets—such as India Today and Times Now—as a testament to "Nari Shakti" (women’s power) and a rebuke to communal narratives, given Qureshi’s Muslim background and Singh’s Scheduled Caste identity.

Yet, this celebration warrants scrutiny. Images from war-related meetings on May 7th and 9th, 2025, shared via platforms like X, reveal a stark absence of women in decision-making settings, with Qureshi and Singh positioned prominently only during public briefings. This suggests a deliberate choice to platform women for optics rather than integrate them into strategic roles. 

Media coverage further amplifies this tokenism by emphasizing the officers’ marital status and familial roles—describing them as "daughters-in-law" of specific villages—while male officers are rarely identified in such terms. This double standard diminishes the officers’ professional achievements and reinforces patriarchal norms.

Reports from sources like Times Now and The Wire indicate the decision to feature these women was strategically driven, possibly by the Prime Minister’s office, to counter Pakistan’s communal rhetoric and appeal to women voters ahead of elections in Bihar. This political maneuvering is particularly striking given the government’s historical resistance to gender equity in the armed forces. As recently as a few years ago, the Union government argued before the Supreme Court that women were "physiologically unfit" for permanent commissions, a stance overturned by landmark rulings in 2020 and 2025. The juxtaposition of past opposition with present celebration highlights a performative feminism that serves political ends rather than systemic change.

Systemic Patriarchy in the Armed Forces  

The armed forces remain a male-dominated institution, despite recent progress. The Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling granting permanent commissions to women officers, and subsequent orders in 2025 staying the release of women Short Service Commission officers, mark significant steps toward equality. 

Yet, women constitute a small fraction of the armed forces, and none have ascended to roles such as Chief of Defence Staff, Army Chief, Air Chief Marshal, or Navy Chief. The ceremonial role of President Droupadi Murmu as Supreme Commander contrasts with the concentrated power of the male-led Cabinet and Ministry of Defence, underscoring women’s limited influence in defense policy.

The absence of women in high-level discussions during Operation Sindoor raises broader questions about decision-making. Studies, such as those by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research, suggest diverse leadership can foster non-military solutions to conflict, aligning with the UN Charter of Peace. 

Had women been meaningfully included, alternative strategies might have been considered, potentially averting escalation. Instead, the operation’s execution and messaging appear driven by a patriarchal framework, with women’s roles curated for public consumption.

Political Strategy and Electoral Gains  

Operation Sindoor’s framing cannot be divorced from its political context. Women voters played a pivotal role in recent elections, including the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and Bihar’s 2020 assembly election, and their influence is critical as Bihar approaches another electoral cycle. 

The operation’s gender narrative, amplified by government-aligned media and videos from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aligns with efforts to project "Nari Shakti" as a political brand. This strategy risks commodifying women’s contributions, reducing their agency to a tool for electoral success.

A Path Toward Genuine Equity 

Operation Sindoor highlights both progress and persistent challenges in India’s journey toward gender equity. The visibility of Qureshi and Singh, alongside President Murmu’s symbolic role, signals incremental change. However, true empowerment requires structural reforms: increasing women’s representation in decision-making, appointing women to top defense positions, and dismantling patriarchal norms within institutions and media narratives. 

The Nari Shakti Adhiniyam, promising 33% reservation for women in legislatures, must extend its spirit to all sectors, ensuring merit-based leadership transcends gender stereotypes.

India’s development is intertwined with gender justice. Names, symbols, and policies must reflect a commitment to equity, not reinforce subjugation. Operation Sindoor, with its patriarchal undertones and strategic tokenism, serves as a reminder of the gap between rhetoric and reality. As the Supreme Court noted in its 2020 ruling, eliminating gender discrimination requires "administrative will and a change in mindset." 

Bridging this chasm demands not just symbolic gestures but a fundamental reimagining of power and representation in India’s institutions.

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*Entrepreneur | Researcher | Educator | Speaker| Mentor. More info on her learning and sharing are at: www.mansee.in