Operation Sindoor: Who is Lt Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and why is she trending on social media
After India targeted at least nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during Operation Sindoor, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, addressed the media. The presence of two women officers in this official briefing marked a powerful and symbolic moment. It also showed the country's respect and support for the widows of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the horrific Pahalgam attack on April 22. Who is Lt Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
Lieutenant Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. She made history by becoming the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise. Hailing from Gujarat, Lt Col Qureshi was commissioned into the Indian Army through the Officers Training Academy in 1999. She comes from a family with a strong military background, which inspired her to pursue a career in the armed forces. She is married to an officer from the Mechanised Infantry. Her early assignments included various postings across India, including in counter-insurgency areas, where she served in signal regiments.
In 2006, Lt Col Qureshi served as a military observer in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo. This experience involved monitoring ceasefires and aiding in humanitarian activities to ensure peace in conflict-affected areas.
In March 2016, Lt Col Qureshi led a 40-member Indian Army contingent at 'Exercise Force 18,' the largest foreign military exercise hosted by India. The exercise, held in Pune, saw participation from 18 ASEAN Plus countries, including China, the USA, Russia, Japan, and South Korea.
Her role was pivotal in training troops for Peacekeeping Operations and Humanitarian Mine Action. She was the only woman officer among all the participating contingents.
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