Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. She made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise and was prominently involved in the media briefing for Operation Sindoor—a milestone in India’s response to cross-border terrorism.
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Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colonel Sofiya Qureshi |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Branch | Indian Army – Corps of Signals |
| Commissioned | 1999, Officers Training Academy, Chennai |
| Notable For | First woman to lead Indian contingent (Exercise Force 18, 2016); UN roles; Operation Sindoor briefing |
| Education | M.Sc. in Biochemistry (M.S. University, Baroda, 1997) |
| Family Background | From military lineage—father and grandfather served; married to a Mechanised Infantry officer; has a son |
Early Life & Education
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sofiya Qureshi comes from a long line of military service—her father served in the EME Corps, and her grandfather served both in the British Army and took part in the 1857 revolt. She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, followed by a BSc in Chemistry (1992–1995) and MSc in Biochemistry (1995–1997) from M.S. University, Baroda. She chose to leave a potential academic path when the Indian Army opened recruitment for women officers—and was commissioned in 1999 through the Officers Training Academy, Chennai.
Military Career & Achievements
- Commission & Corps: Joined the Indian Army Corps of Signals in 1999.
- UN Peacekeeping: Served in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo (2006), where she earned widespread respect—including reuniting children with their families and receiving the Force Commander Commendation.
- Exercise Force 18 (2016): Became the first and only woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent, and the only female commander among participants in the multinational exercise. For this, she received the Chief of Army Staff Plaque of Honour.
- Operation Sindoor (2025): Co-led the national media briefing along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, marking a historic moment in women’s roles in the defense services.
- Permanent Commission Milestone: Alongside Wg Cdr Singh, she broke the gender barrier by securing permanent commission in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Recognition & Visibility: Celebrated widely on social media and featured in a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati on Independence Day 2025 highlighting women officers' contributions.
Personal Life & Values
Colonel Qureshi is married to an officer from the Mechanised Infantry, and they have one son. She frequently cites her family’s military legacy as a strong influence on her career decisions. Her public message to young women is aspirational: *“Join the Army.”*
Net Worth
As a serving Indian Army Colonel, her income comes from salaries, allowances, and military benefits. While exact figures are not publicly available, typical estimates for someone at her rank and tenure range between ₹1–2 lakh monthly. Detailed personal wealth information is not disclosed due to privacy and official norms.
Why It Matters
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi represents both symbolic and substantive shifts in India’s military: she demonstrates that women can command multinational forces, lead critical operations, and serve as face-of-the-nation in sensitive military communications. Her journey inspires future generations and promotes gender parity in defense leadership.
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