Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, recognized for her pioneering leadership and contributions to military operations and peacekeeping. Below is a comprehensive biography based on available information:
Sofiya Qureshi: Early Life and Education
| Name: | Sofiya Qureshi |
| Birth: | 9 August 1981, Gujarat |
| Education: | Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, Vadodara |
| Father: | Taj Mohammad Qureshi |
| Military Career: | Joined the Indian Army in 1999 |
- Birth: Born on August 9, 1981, in Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
- Family Background: Hails from a family with a strong military tradition. Her grandfather served as a religious teacher in the Indian Army, and her father, Taj Mohammed Qureshi, also served in the Army, including during the 1971 war. Her brother, Sanjay Qureshi, noted that their great-grandfather participated in the 1857 freedom struggle.
- Completed schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, Vadodara.
- Earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry (1992–1995) and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry (1995–1997) from the Faculty of Science, Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), Baroda.
- Enrolled in a PhD program in Biochemistry at MSU but left to join the Indian Army after learning about opportunities for women officers through the Short Service Commission.
- Early Influences: Inspired by her family’s military legacy and her participation in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which instilled discipline and a sense of purpose.
Military Career Sofiya Qureshi
- Commissioning: Joined the Indian Army in 1999 as a Lieutenant after training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
- Corps: Serves in the Corps of Signals, responsible for military communications, ensuring secure and efficient operations.
- Key Achievements:
- Exercise Force 18 (2016): Became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise, Exercise Force 18, held in Pune from March 2–8, 2016. This ASEAN Plus exercise, the largest ground forces drill hosted by India, involved 18 nations and focused on Humanitarian Mine Action and Peacekeeping Operations. As a Lieutenant Colonel at age 35, she led a 40-member Indian contingent and was the only female contingent commander among all participating nations.
- Operation Sindoor (2025): Co-led the media briefing on May 7, 2025, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, detailing India’s precision strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. Her authoritative presence underscored India’s resolve and the growing role of women in the armed forces.
- United Nations Peacekeeping: Served as a military observer in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo in 2006 and contributed to peacekeeping operations for six years, monitoring ceasefires and supporting humanitarian efforts.
- Operation Parakram (2001–2002): Played a pivotal role along the Punjab border following the Indian Parliament attack, earning a Commendation Card from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C).
- Flood Relief Operations: Recognized for commendable communication work during flood relief in Northeast India, receiving a Signal Officer-in-Chief (SO-in-C) Commendation Card.
- Other Contributions:
- Associated with the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in New Delhi since 2010.
- Involved in counter-insurgency operations across India, honing skills in high-pressure environments.
- Mentors young officers, particularly women, encouraging them to join the armed forces with the message: “Work hard for the country and make everyone proud.”
- Delivered lectures under Operation Sadhbhavna in Kashmir Valley to inspire girls to pursue military careers.
- Motivated over 25,000 students across multiple states through the Sapta Shakti Student Outreach Programme.
Awards and Recognition Sofiya Qureshi
- Chief of Army Staff Plaque of Honour: Awarded for leading the Force 18 contingent.
- Global Peace Gandhi Award (2019): Name listed in the UK House of Commons for her peacekeeping contributions.
- Provost Marshal Citation: First in her unit to earn this citation.
- Force Commander Appreciation: Recognized for devotion during UN peacekeeping missions.
- Supreme Court Citation (2020): Cited in a landmark ruling granting Permanent Commission to women in the Indian Army, highlighting her achievements as an example of women’s capabilities.
Personal Life Sofiya Qureshi
- Family:
- Married to Major Tajuddin Qureshi, an officer in the Mechanised Infantry.
- Has a son, Sameer Qureshi, who is reportedly preparing to join the Indian Air Force.
- Twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, co-runs a film production house in Mumbai.
- Three brothers, including Mohammed Sanjay Qureshi, who expressed pride in her role in Operation Sindoor.
- Hometown Pride: Vadodara celebrated her Operation Sindoor briefing, with MSU’s Faculty of Science distributing sweets in her honor.
- Faith: Colonel Qureshi is Muslim, and her role in the Operation Sindoor briefing alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, of a different faith, sent a powerful message of unity against terrorism.
Legacy and Impact
- Trailblazer for Women: Her leadership in Force 18 and Operation Sindoor briefings marks a turning point for gender representation in the Indian military. She symbolizes the evolving role of women in combat and command positions.
- Inspiration: Encourages young women to join the Army, emphasizing equal opportunities and responsibilities. Her selection for high-profile roles, as noted by late General Bipin Rawat, was based on her capabilities, not gender.
- National Pride: Her family and community view her as a symbol of dedication and patriotism, with her father stating, “We are proud Indians first, before being Hindus or Muslims.”
Notable Quotes Sofiya Qureshi
- On leading Force 18: “I feel proud, of course.”
- Message to women in the armed forces: “Work hard for the country and make everyone proud.”
- On Operation Sindoor: “Nine terrorist camps were targeted and successfully destroyed.”
Sources
The information is compiled from multiple reliable sources, including news outlets like The Indian Express, Business Today, Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and posts on X, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate biography.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s journey reflects resilience, leadership, and a commitment to national service, making her a role model for aspiring military officers, particularly women, in India and beyond.
