In a significant milestone for the Indian Armed Forces, Colonel Sophia Qureshi has once again etched her name in history, taking the lead as the senior Army officer during the official press briefing following Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. As images of precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) filled news outlets, Colonel Qureshi emerged as the face of this military communication, symbolizing operational excellence and a transformative era in military leadership.
Colonel Qureshi, who serves in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, has a distinguished history of breaking barriers. She made headlines in 2016 as the first Indian woman to command a multinational Army contingent, leading at Exercise Force 18, the largest military exercise hosted by India, which saw participation from 18 nations. Her selection as the sole woman contingent commander among experienced male officers highlighted her exceptional leadership capabilities.
During the aftermath of Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Colonel Qureshi, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force, addressed both national and international media outlets. Her poised and confident demeanor not only conveyed crucial information about the precision strikes aimed at terror infrastructure but also provided reassurance to the nation regarding the Indian military’s readiness and strategic restraint. The briefing underscored that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted, reflecting India’s commitment to non-escalation while maintaining its national security.
Colonel Qureshi’s career is celebrated for numerous achievements and honors. She served as a military observer in the United Nations Mission in Congo in 2006, contributing to peacekeeping efforts and humanitarian missions. Recognized with commendation cards for her contributions during Operation Parakram and flood relief operations in Northeast India, she has consistently demonstrated leadership and resilience. The late General Bipin Rawat praised her selection for key roles, emphasizing that her capabilities and leadership qualities transcended gender considerations.
Hailing from Gujarat and stemming from a proud military lineage—her grandfather and father were also in the Indian Army—Colonel Qureshi is married to a Mechanised Infantry officer. She skillfully balances her demanding service with her family responsibilities and stands as an inspiration for many aspiring women in uniform. An alumna with a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, she embodies the modern military officer, combining intellectual prowess with operational experience and emotional fortitude.
As India witnesses a growing representation of women in combat and command roles, Colonel Qureshi’s journey transcends personal accomplishment. It symbolizes the evolving dynamics within the Indian Armed Forces and highlights an increasing acceptance of gender-neutral leadership in the defense sector. Her involvement in pivotal military operations—from peacekeeping initiatives to joint drills, and now counter-terror operations—illuminates a promising future for women in the military.
