Who is Colonel Sophia Qureshi, the decorated Army officer who briefed media on Operation Sindoor?

Trailblazer in Uniform: Colonel Sophia Qureshi’s Historic Role in Indian Army Leadership

Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals etched her name in history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian military contingent in a multinational exercise. In 2016, she commanded the Indian team at ‘Exercise Force 18’, a major international drill hosted by India. Notably, she was the sole female commander among representatives from 18 nations participating in the joint exercise.

A native of Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi comes from a lineage of military service—her grandfather was also part of the Indian Army. Academically accomplished, she holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry and is married to an officer serving in the Mechanised Infantry.

Her service record includes six years with the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, including a significant deployment with the UN Mission in Congo in 2006. Reflecting on her international assignments, she described her role as overseeing ceasefire compliance and facilitating humanitarian operations in conflict-ridden zones. She called it a “moment of pride,” urging more women in uniform to strive with dedication and bring honour to the nation.

Her leadership during Exercise Force 18 drew praise from then Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, who affirmed that her selection was a result of her merit and command abilities, not her gender.