Sophia Qureshi Biography: In a groundbreaking moment for India’s armed forces, two remarkable women—Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh—etched their names into history by leading the official media briefing on Operation Sindoor. Their commanding presence marked a powerful symbol of how women are now taking on dynamic leadership roles in the country’s defence strategy.
In a moment that redefined India’s defence narrative, Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh led the official media briefing on Operation Sindoor—a decisive tri-services strike in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. Their leadership on such a critical national platform didn’t just represent a tactical mission—it symbolized the transformation of gender roles in India’s armed forces.
This post takes you through their inspiring biographies, rich family values, groundbreaking military careers, and the leadership qualities that made them the faces of one of India’s boldest military responses.
Sophia Qureshi Biography
| Born | April 18, 1981 (age 44), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
|---|---|
| Allegiance | India |
| Service / Branch | Indian Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Army Signal Corps |
| Commands |
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| Battles / Wars | 2025 India–Pakistan conflict |
| Awards |
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| Other Work | Guest faculty at National Defence College |
Who is Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi?
Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sofia Qureshi grew up in a family with deep military roots. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, and her father, Taj Mohammad Qureshi, briefly worked as a religious teacher in the forces. This environment instilled a sense of duty and patriotism in Sofia from a young age. Her twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, recalls Sofia’s childhood passion for serving the nation, initially dreaming of becoming a scientist at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to work alongside Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Sofia’s academic journey was equally impressive. She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, in Vadodara, followed by a B.Sc. in Chemistry (1992–1995) and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry (1995–1997) from the Faculty of Science at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU), Baroda. She even began pursuing a PhD but left it to join the Indian Army when opportunities for women officers opened up.
The Call to Serve
Sofia’s decision to join the Army wasn’t just a career choice—it was a calling. Growing up hearing stories of valor from her grandmother and witnessing the disciplined life of military families, she was drawn to the honor of wearing the uniform. In 1999, she was commissioned into the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, a branch responsible for managing critical military communications. This marked the beginning of a career that would redefine what women could achieve in the armed forces.
Sophia Qureshi’s Historic Achievements
First Woman to Lead an Indian Army Contingent
In March 2016, Sofia Qureshi, then a Lieutenant Colonel, made history by becoming the first woman officer to lead a 40-member Indian Army contingent at Exercise Force 18, the largest foreign military exercise ever hosted by India. Held in Pune, this ASEAN Plus multinational field training exercise involved 18 countries, including the United States, China, Russia, Japan, and South Korea. The focus was on peacekeeping operations (PKOs) and humanitarian mine action (HMA).
At just 35 years old, Sophia Qureshi stood out as the only female contingent commander among all participating nations. Her leadership was lauded by then-Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat, who emphasized that her selection was based on merit, not gender. “In the Army, we believe in equal opportunity and equal responsibility,” Rawat said. “She has been picked because she has the abilities and leadership qualities to shoulder the responsibility.”
Sofia’s role involved training troops, fostering international cooperation, and showcasing India’s military prowess. Her success sent a powerful message about gender equality in defense, proving that women could excel in high-stakes, traditionally male-dominated roles. For her leadership, she received the Chief of Army Staff Plaque of Honour and was later mentioned in the UK House of Commons for the Global Peace Gandhi Award in 2019.
United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo
Sofia’s contributions extend beyond India’s borders. In 2006, she served as a military observer in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, a six-year tenure that showcased her ability to handle high-pressure situations in conflict zones. Her role involved monitoring ceasefires and supporting humanitarian efforts, earning her commendations for professionalism and dedication.
Reflecting on her experience, Sofia called it a “moment of pride” to represent India on the global stage. Her work in Congo highlighted her adaptability and commitment to international peace and security, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable officer.
Operation Parakram and Flood Relief Efforts
Sofia’s career is dotted with acts of valor and service. During Operation Parakram (2001–2002), launched in response to the Indian Parliament attack, she served along the Punjab border, earning a Commendation Card from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) for her exemplary service.
Her expertise in communications also proved critical during flood relief operations in Northeast India, where she managed vital communication networks under challenging conditions. This earned her another Commendation Card from the Signal Officer-in-Chief (SO-in-C), underscoring her versatility and leadership.
Operation Sindoor: A Defining Moment
Leading the Media Briefing
On May 7, 2025, Colonel Sofia Qureshi once again made history by co-leading a press conference on Operation Sindoor, a precision military strike targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Launched in response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the operation was a tri-services effort involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Sofia delivered a composed and articulate briefing, detailing the operation’s objectives and outcomes. She confirmed that the strikes, executed between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM, successfully neutralized terrorist infrastructure linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Her confident words—“Operation Sindoor was launched to deliver justice to the victims of the terror attack and their families”—resonated with the nation, symbolizing India’s resolve against terrorism.
This marked the first time in Indian armed forces history that two women officers led a media briefing for a major military operation, highlighting the growing role of women in strategic and communication roles. The choice of Sofia and Vyomika was a deliberate nod to gender equality and operational excellence.
A Symbolic Codename
The operation’s codename, Sindoor (vermilion worn by married Hindu women), was personally chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a tribute to the widows created by the Pahalgam attack. Sofia’s presence at the briefing, delivering a message of strength and justice, embodied the operation’s emotional and strategic weight.
Personal Life: Balancing Duty and Family
Sophia Qureshi Husband and Son
Sofia’s personal life is as inspiring as her professional one. She is married to Major Tajuddin Qureshi, an officer in the Mechanised Infantry, further rooting her life in military values. The couple has a nine-year-old son, who, inspired by his parents, aspires to join the Indian Air Force. Sofia has spoken about balancing duty and family, stating, “Duty always comes first, but I manage both with discipline.”
Her twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, who runs a film production house in Mumbai, shares a close bond with Sofia. Shyna recalls Sofia’s secrecy about the Operation Sindoor briefing, a testament to her professionalism. “We spoke the day before, and she didn’t mention a word,” Shyna told The Indian Express. “It was a proud moment to see her address the nation.”
Family Pride in Vadodara
Sophia Qureshi’s family, based in Vadodara’s Tandalja locality, beams with pride at her achievements. Her brother, Mohammad Sanjay Qureshi, described the Operation Sindoor briefing as “the family’s proudest moment.” He recalled Sofia’s fearless spirit, noting that even as a child, she persevered through challenges like learning to cycle despite fractures.
Her alma mater, MSU Baroda, also celebrated her leadership. Vice Chancellor Dhanesh Patel praised her as a symbol of the university’s commitment to nation-building, stating, “Her brilliance reflects MSU’s legacy of excellence.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Inspiring Women in the Military
Colonel Sofia Qureshi is not just a leader but a role model for aspiring women officers. Through initiatives like the Sapta Shakti Student Outreach Programme, she has inspired over 25,000 students across Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Jammu & Kashmir to consider military careers. Her message to young women is clear: “Join the Army. Work hard for India and make everyone proud.”
Sofia actively advocates for increased women’s participation in the armed forces, delivering lectures under Operation Sadhbhavna in the Kashmir Valley to encourage girls to break gender barriers. Her efforts align with India’s broader push for gender parity in the military, as evidenced by the Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling granting permanent commissions to women officers, which cited Sofia’s achievements as an example.
A Beacon of Gender Equality
Sophia Qureshi career challenges the notion that military leadership is a male domain. Her success has paved the way for other women, with the Indian Army now inducting women into combat roles, tank units, and even submarine operations. As she once said, “It’s not about gender—it’s about skill and dedication.”
Sofia Qureshi’s Legacy: A Trailblazer in Uniform
A Career Spanning Decades
With over two decades of service, Colonel Sofia Qureshi remains a veteran officer whose contributions continue to shape the Indian Army. Her leadership in Exercise Force 18, her role in UN peacekeeping, and her commanding presence during the Operation Sindoor briefing are milestones that reflect her resilience and professionalism.
Recognition and Honors
Sofia’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including:
- Chief of Army Staff Plaque of Honour for leading Exercise Force 18.
- Commendation Cards for her roles in Operation Parakram and Northeast flood relief.
- Mention in the UK House of Commons for the Global Peace Gandhi Award (2019).
- Recognition by the Supreme Court in its 2020 verdict on women’s permanent commissions.
A Symbol of Modern India
Sofia Qureshi’s story is more than a personal triumph—it’s a reflection of India’s evolving military ethos, where talent and courage trump convention. Her journey from a young girl in Vadodara to a decorated colonel briefing the nation on a critical operation embodies the spirit of modern India: inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking.
FAQs About Colonel Sophia Qureshi
Who is Colonel Sophia Qureshi?
Colonel Sofia Qureshi is a decorated officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, known for being the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise (Exercise Force 18, 2016). She also co-led the media briefing for Operation Sindoor in 2025.
What is Sophia Qureshi’s educational background?
Sofia holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda. She began a PhD but left to join the Indian Army in 1999.
Who is Sophia Qureshi’s husband?
Sofia is married to Major Tajuddin Qureshi, an officer in the Mechanised Infantry. They have a nine-year-old son.
What was Sophia Qureshi’s role in Operation Sindoor?
In May 2025, Sofia co-led a press conference with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, detailing Operation Sindoor, a tri-services strike targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.
Does Sophia Qureshi have a social media presence?
There is no verified information about Sofia Qureshi’s Instagram or other social media accounts, as she maintains a private personal life due to her military role.
What is Sophia Qureshi’s religion?
Sofia Qureshi’s religion is not explicitly mentioned in public records, and her family emphasizes that her service transcends such labels. Her sister Shyna has stated, “Terrorism should not be given the colour of religion.”
Who is Sophia Qureshi’s sister?
Sophia Qureshi’s twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, co-runs a film production house in Mumbai and is a vocal supporter of her achievements.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Inspires
Colonel Sofia Qureshi is more than a military officer—she is a pioneer who has shattered glass ceilings and inspired countless women to dream big. Her journey from Vadodara to the global stage, leading with courage and compassion, is a story of empowerment and excellence. As she continues to serve, Sofia’s legacy reminds us that in the Indian Army, it’s not about gender but about the strength to serve the nation.
Her words echo as a call to action: “Join the Army. Work hard for India and make everyone proud.” For young women and men alike, Colonel Sofia Qureshi is a trailblazer in uniform, proving that with dedication, no barrier is too high to overcome.
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