Colonel Sophia Qureshi is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, renowned for her pioneering contributions to military leadership and peacekeeping operations.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi comes from a family with a strong military tradition—her grandfather served in the Indian Army. She pursued higher education in biochemistry, obtaining a postgraduate degree in the field. In 1999, at the age of 17, she joined the Indian Army through the Short Service Commission.
Military Career
Colonel Qureshi has had a trailblazing career marked by several significant milestones:
- Exercise Force 18 (2016): She made history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. Held in Pune, Exercise Force 18 was the largest foreign military drill hosted by India, involving 18 countries. Colonel Qureshi was the only female commander among all participating contingents.
- United Nations Peacekeeping: She served for six years with UN Peacekeeping Operations, including a notable stint in the United Nations Mission in Congo in 2006. Her duties involved monitoring ceasefires and supporting humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
Recent Role: Operation Sindoor
In May 2025, Colonel Qureshi played a prominent role in briefing the media on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation targeted and destroyed nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, focusing on groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Personal Life
Colonel Qureshi is married to an officer from the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry. They have a son named Sameer Qureshi.
Colonel Sophia Qureshi’s career reflects her dedication to service, leadership, and the advancement of women in the armed forces.
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