The Indian Armed Forces have officially recognized Lieutenant Colonel Harsh Gupta and Havildar Surinder Singh as the creators of the significant logo representing Operation Sindoor, a recent precision strike initiative established in response to deadly cross-border terrorism.
The logo, which has garnered national attention for its emotionally impactful imagery, depicts a jar of spilled sindoor—the traditional vermilion worn by married Hindu women. This visual metaphor encapsulates both cultural identity and collective mourning, serving to memorialize the victims of the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, many of whom were married Hindu men. Widows like Ms. Narwal, whose husband was among the deceased, have emerged as poignant symbols of the human toll that the sindoor represents.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, with Indian forces striking nine terror hideouts located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was detailed at a government press conference in New Delhi led by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, in conjunction with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The decision to feature two female officers in the briefing—Colonel Qureshi addressing media in Hindi and Wing Commander Singh in English—marked a deliberate shift from past practices, embodying a message of empowerment and national determination.
The cultural and political implications of the logo have ignited widespread discourse. The portrayal of sindoor, when disrupted or spilled, signifies the transition from marital life to widowhood. Its inclusion in the logo reflects both the grief stemming from the April attacks and a commitment to counterterrorism. A report from The New York Times on May 7 highlighted the image’s resonance among Hindu nationalist organizations, who have been particularly vocal in calling for a strong response to terrorism.
However, Operation Sindoor has also led to political tensions. On May 21, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s description of Operation Sindoor as a “small war,” branding the remark as disrespectful to the armed forces and insensitively dismissive of public sentiment. Kharge’s comments questioned the government’s approach to U.S. mediation claims and domestic security, which prompted a sharp critique from the ruling party, accusing the opposition of jeopardizing national unity.
In the realm of diplomacy, the government has undertaken proactive outreach, dispatching all-party delegations abroad to counter Pakistan’s narrative regarding cross-border terrorism and reinforce India’s stance. This approach aligns with a broader strategy of persistent pressure through military action, diplomatic efforts, and public communications.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a seasoned helicopter pilot with the Indian Air Force since 2004, recently emphasized the importance of long-term strategic communication alongside readiness on the battlefield in an opinion piece.
Accompanying the announcement of the logo’s creators is an image showcasing two uniformed soldiers—one clad in a green beret and the other in a green turban—positioned against a red-brick backdrop. Their acknowledgment highlights the crucial role of individual service members, not just in executing military operations but also in shaping narratives and legacies that accompany them.
As Operation Sindoor continues to shape India’s security framework and political discourse, the imagery of spilled sindoor remains a potent symbol of the lives lost and the nation’s steadfast commitment to confronting terrorism with determination and solidarity.
