Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a prominent officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, has recently made headlines for her involvement in a media briefing regarding Operation Sindoor, India’s latest counter-terrorism initiative targeting groups based in Pakistan. Her presence at the National Media Centre, alongside notable officials such as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Indian Air Force’s Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, exemplifies the increasing influence of women in defense leadership roles within India.
Col. Qureshi has long been celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements within the armed forces. In a significant judgment from the Supreme Court in 2020 concerning the granting of Permanent Commission to women officers, her exemplary service was highlighted as a key argument for gender equality in military positions. The court deemed the blanket denial of command positions to women officers as “indefensible,” specifically recognizing Col. Qureshi’s leadership during “Exercise Force 18,” a major multinational military exercise hosted by India in 2016, where she made history as the first female officer to lead an Indian Army contingent.
Her operational history reflects a career marked by both excellence and bravery. In 2006, she was deployed with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she played a vital role in monitoring ceasefire violations and conducting humanitarian outreach in conflict areas. Additionally, her involvement in flood relief operations in India’s Northeast illustrates her adaptability as a frontline officer, capable of excelling in both combat and humanitarian assignments.
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1974, and possessing a Master’s degree in biochemistry, Col. Qureshi’s academic and military achievements signal her commitment to high standards of excellence. Commissioned into the Army’s Corps of Signals, she ascended through the ranks, becoming a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring women officers.
The landmark 2020 Supreme Court ruling that significantly broadened the scope for women to receive Permanent Commission in the Army prominently cited her as a paragon of outstanding service. The verdict underscored that excluding women from leadership roles based on gender not only disregarded their proven capabilities but also contradicted the constitutional mandate for equality.
Col. Qureshi’s recent role in the media briefing for Operation Sindoor further solidifies her reputation. This operation, initiated in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, demonstrated the Indian armed forces’ capability to effectively target nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir with precision missile systems.
As she stood at the podium this week, Col. Qureshi not only represented the strength and prowess of India’s armed forces but also embodied the transformative potential of equal opportunity in the military landscape. Her career continues to challenge antiquated perceptions within the military hierarchy and serves as a testament to the evolving role of women in defense leadership in India.
