Who Is Colonel Sophia Qureshi, The Woman Behind India’s Operation Sindoor – News18

Last Updated:May 07, 2025, 15:22 IST

On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor—a major operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and POK.

In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, India carried out a decisive military operation targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). The mission, code-named Operation Sindoor, marked a rare and significant tri-services precision strike involving coordinated efforts by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

This strike stands as India’s most substantial cross-border military action since the Balakot airstrikes in 2019, executed in direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed 26 civilian lives.

At a high-profile press briefing following the operation, two senior women officers—Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force—shared key operational details alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, marking a historic moment for women in Indian military leadership.

Who is Colonel Sophia Qureshi?

Colonel Sophia Qureshi is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, a branch responsible for managing critical military communication systems. Known for her exceptional leadership and operational acumen, she has emerged as a symbol of progress and empowerment within the armed forces.

Early Life and Military Background

Originally from Vadodara, Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi was raised in a proud military family. With both her grandfather and husband serving in the Indian Army, she was deeply inspired to follow in their footsteps. Her educational background includes a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry, reflecting her academic excellence alongside her strategic capabilities.

A Historic Milestone in 2016

In 2016, Colonel Qureshi made history by becoming the first Indian woman to command an Army contingent in a major international military exercise. She led a 40-member Indian team at Exercise Force 18, a multinational exercise held in Pune that focused on peacekeeping and humanitarian mine-clearing operations. Among participants from 18 countries, she was the only female contingent commander, a testament to her exceptional leadership and professionalism.

United Nations Peacekeeping Experience

Colonel Qureshi’s operational résumé also includes significant international peacekeeping experience. In 2006, she served in the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, gaining hands-on exposure to global conflict resolution and humanitarian operations.

Recognised for Leadership Excellence

Her selection to lead India’s contingent at Exercise Force 18 was endorsed by then Southern Army Commander Lt. Gen. Bipin Rawat, who cited her proven leadership, discipline, and field experience as the basis for the appointment.

Commanding Presence in Operation Sindoor

At the press conference following Operation Sindoor, Colonel Qureshi’s composed and articulate briefing reflected not just her strategic insight but also the expanding influence of women leaders in national defense. Her presence at such a critical juncture exemplified the modern face of India’s armed forces—one that values capability, courage, and clarity over convention.

Location :

Delhi, India, India

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