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India Today
07-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Colonel Courageous: Who is Sophia Qureshi, the army officer shining at Op Sindoor briefing?
It made for a picture worth more than any words and summed up what India stood for. At the Operation Sindoor press briefing in New Delhi on May 7, joining forces with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were two bright women military officers—Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. An alumni of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSUB), Col. Qureshi, who is an officer from the Indian Army's Corps of Signals, belongs to a family with a long military background. Her grandfather served in the army while she is married to Major Tajuddin Qureshi of the Mechanised Infantry. Col. Qureshi, who is from Vadodara, did her MSc in Biochemistry from MSUB in 1997 and joined the Indian Army in 1999. In 2006, she served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo as a military observer. She monitored ceasefires and supported humanitarian efforts, gaining invaluable experience in conflict resolution and international cooperation. Since 2010, Col. Qureshi has been associated with the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in New Delhi. She has also served in counterinsurgency postings across India, which honed her skills in high-pressure environments. Qureshi's most celebrated achievement came in March 2016 when she became the first woman officer to lead a 40-member Indian Army contingent at Exercise Force 18, the largest foreign military exercise hosted by India, held in Pune. This multinational exercise had participation from 18 ASEAN Plus countries, including the United States, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea, the focus being on Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs) and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA). As the only woman contingent commander among the participating nations, Col. Qureshi's leadership was pivotal in training troops and fostering interoperability. Commenting on her leadership at the time, then Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat had stressed that Qureshi's leadership qualities and commitment were well earned, not mere tokenism. 'In the Army, we believe in equal opportunities and equal responsibilities. Sophia Qureshi embodies leadership qualities that transcend gender barriers,' he had said. As Prof. Hitesh D. Raviya, officer on special duty (public relations and communication) at MSUB, said: 'Sophia Qureshi's presence at the [university] department earlier and her leadership today on the battlefield are part of the same continuum of excellence. Col. Sophia Qureshi stands as a beacon of inspiration for every student of MSU Baroda.' Col. Qureshi's brother Mohammad Sanjay Qureshi described her May 7 presser as the family's proudest moment. 'Nothing greater than a member of our family briefing the nation [about Operation Sindoor],' he said. Recalling his sister's courageous streak since childhood, Sanjay added: 'She suffered fractures while learning to cycle, but nothing could deter her.' Col. Qureshi has become an icon for young Indians. She actively encourages young women to join the army, delivering lectures in schools and colleges, including under Operation Sadhbhavna in the Kashmir Valley, to inspire girls to pursue military careers. Her message is clear: 'Join the Army. Work hard for the country and make everyone proud.' In January this year, Col. Qureshi visited her alma mater—the Department of Biochemistry at MSUB, where she was warmly welcomed by the faculty and former teachers. Her visit was an inspiring moment for students and staff. While Col. Qureshi is currently posted in Uttar Pradesh, her brother and father Taj Mohammad Qureshi live in Tandalja area of Vadodara, which has over the past decade become a deeply polarised city. However, on May 7, representing the Indian Army and leading the Operation Sindoor media briefing with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Col. Qureshi broke several stereotypes, gender norms and reinforced the idea of India as a country united in its diversity. Subscribe to India Today Magazine
Mint
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Meet Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi who briefed the nation on Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor: Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday briefed nation regarding India's missile strikes into Pakistan and PoK during midnight targetting nine terror camps as part of Operation Sindoor. Colonel Sofiya Quershi is an officer from the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. She has etched her name into military history with numerous groundbreaking accomplishments. At just 35, she carries a legacy that continues to inspire many and leads by example, both on and off the field. In March 2016, then Lieutenant Colonel Qureshi made history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. The event, Exercise Force 18, remains the largest foreign military exercise ever hosted by India. Conducted in Pune from March 2 to March 8, the war games brought together forces from 18 nations, including ASEAN countries and major global powers such as Japan, Russia, China, the United States, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia. Qureshi headed her team in critical training segments emphasising on Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs) and Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA). According to reports, she served as a military observer in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo in 2006 and has been actively involved in peacekeeping operations since 2010, a field in which she continues to make distinguished contributions. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh's journey to the Air Force started with a dream when she was in school days as she wanted to fly. Her name 'Vyomika' suggests one who lives in the sky or the daughter of the sky. She went on to pursue her goal by joining National Cadet Corps (NCC) and earned a degree in engineering. Vyomika became the first person in her family to be a part of armed forces. She was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force. In December 18, 2019, she received a permanent commission in the flying branch. She has operated different helicopters like Cheetah and Chetak in difficult terrains in J&K, Northeast. Vyomia has logged over 2500 flying hours and participated in different missions, where the major one was in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2020, reports said. India hit four in Pakistan, comprising Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Sialkot, and five in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), according to ANI sources. Markaz Subhan Allah Bahawalpur 2. Markaz Taiba, Muridke 4. Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialko 5. Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber 7. Maskar Raheel Shahid, located in Kotli District 9. Shawai Nallah Camp in Muzaffarabad
India.com
07-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Operation Sindoor: Who is Lt Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and why is she trending on social media
Who is Lt Colonel Sophia Qureshi 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.
India.com
07-05-2025
- General
- India.com
Operation Sindoor: Who is Lt Colonel Sophia Qureshi and why is she trending on social media
Lieutenant Colonel Sophia 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. 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. Her work in such challenging environments highlighted her commitment to global peace and security. 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, reflecting her exceptional capabilities and breaking gender barriers in the military.
