Sofiya Qureshi
Sofiya Qureshi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Vadodara, Gujarat, India |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Army |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | Army Signal Corps |
| Commands | UN Peacekeeping Force (DRC) Indian Cyber Defence Command Indian Rapid Deployment Unit |
| Battles / wars | 2025 India–Pakistan conflict |
| Awards | Special Service Medal Operation Vijay Medal Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal Videsh Seva Medal 75th Independence Anniversary Medal 20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal United Nations Medal Gandhi Peace Award (2019) |
| Other work | Guest faculty at National Defence College |
Sofiya Qureshi is a senior officer in the Indian Army, currently holding the rank of colonel. She is notable for being the first woman to lead an Indian contingent in a United Nations peacekeeping mission and she gained national attention for her role in press conferences during the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict.
Early life and education
[edit]Sofiya Qureshi was born in Vadodara to Mohammad Qureshi and Amina Qureshi.[1] She earned a degree in biotechnology at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.[2][3]
Military education
[edit]- Officers Training Academy, Chennai - 1999[4]
- Defence Services Staff College, Wellington – Master’s in Defence and Strategic Studies (2005–06)[5]
- National Defence College, New Delhi (2018) – Strategic cybersecurity[6]
Military career
[edit]Commissioned in 1999 after graduating from the Officers Training Academy[7] into the Army Signal Corps, Qureshi served in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and North-East India. In 2001, she helped develop the Army’s first mobile digital communication network.[8]
In 2016, as a colonel, she led 40 Indian troops during exercise Force 18—the first woman to lead an Indian training contingent.[9]
Role in 2025 India–Pakistan conflict
[edit]Qureshi led press conferences along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri about Operation Sindoor.
Recognition and awards
[edit]- Global Peace Gandhi Award (2019) [10]
- First Provost Marshall in her unit[11][clarification needed]
Personal life
[edit]She married Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi in 2015 and together they have a son.[12][13][14]
References
[edit]- ^ Raja, Aditi (8 May 2025). "'We spoke yesterday… she did not mention a word': Col Sofiya Qureshi's twin sister". The Indian Express. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Operation Sindoor: Internet hails Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led media briefing". The Indian Express. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Sophia Qureshi: Who is Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi, who told the whole story of 'Operation Sindoor'". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ * https://leaderbiography.com/colonel-sophia-qureshi
- ^ "Who is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi the decorated Army officer who briefed media on Operation Sindoor Indian Army". Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ Service, Statesman News (8 May 2025). "Col Sofia Qureshi's MP connection". The Statesman. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Colonel Sophia Qureshi: Biography, Age, Education, Career, Personal Life". 7 May 2025.
- ^ "Colonel Sophia Qureshi's achievements in Supreme Court verdict". Mathrubhumi. 9 May 2025. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Military Exercise FORCE 18 kicked off in Pune". affairscloud.com. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ "The many laurels of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: 15 things you need to know about her". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ "The many laurels of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: 15 things you need to know about her". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 May 2025.
- ^ Service, Express News (8 May 2025). "Family proud of Belagavi's daughter-in-law Col Sofia Qureshi who unveiled Operation Sindoor's success". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "Colonel Sofia Qureshi's Family Tree: Service To The Nation Since The Revolt Of 1857". News18. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "SC Cited Col Sofia Qureshi's Achievements in Landmark Ruling for Women Army Officers". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 9 May 2025.