Meet Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the inspiring Indian Army officer behind Operation Sindoor. Find her journey, achievements, and legacy in this blog.
Table of Contents
Quick Takeaways
- Operation Sindoor Briefing: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a Corps of Signals officer, briefed the media on the 2025 operation targeting nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.
- Historic Achievements: First woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in the 2016 ASEAN Plus Exercise Force 18, a milestone in military leadership.
- Family Legacy: Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, from a family with a military heritage spanning the 1857 uprising to the 1971 war.
- Education and Service: Holds a Master’s in Biochemistry, joined the Army in 1999, and served in Congo and flood relief operations.
- National Symbol: Her role reflects India’s military strength and gender inclusivity, though some discussions tie it to nationalism narratives.
A National Icon
On May 7, 2025, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (also spelled Sofia Qureshi in some sources) became a household name, delivering a powerful briefing on Operation Sindoor, a tri-services strike against terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.
Her composed demeanor and clear communication, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, underscored India’s resolve and the pivotal role of women in the armed forces.
Vadodara Roots
Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Qureshi grew up in a family with a rich military legacy.
Her grandfather was a religious teacher in the Indian Army, her father fought in the 1971 war, and her great-grandfather participated in the 1857 uprising.
Inspired by Rani Laxmibai’s stories, she chose a path of service over international opportunities.
A Pioneering Career
Qureshi’s three-decade career is marked by historic firsts, from leading multinational exercises to briefing on Operation Sindoor, which involved 24 missile strikes in 25 minutes, killing over 70 terrorists.
Introduction
On May 7, 2025, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (sometimes spelled Sofia Qureshi) stood before the nation to brief the media on Operation Sindoor.
This precision military operation targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK).
Launched in response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, the operation was a powerful statement against cross-border terrorism.
Qureshi’s confident delivery, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, highlighted the operation’s success and the growing role of women in India’s armed forces.
This blog post dives into Qureshi’s inspiring life, trailblazing career, and the legacy she continues to build as a symbol of courage and leadership.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sofiya Qureshi grew up in a family with a deep military heritage.
Her grandfather served as a religious teacher in the Indian Army, her father, Taj Mohammad Qureshi, was part of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, and her great-grandfather fought in the 1857 uprising.
Her grandmother’s stories of Rani Laxmibai, the warrior queen of Jhansi, inspired her to pursue a life of service.
Qureshi excelled academically, attending Kendriya Vidyalaya in Vadodara before earning a B.Sc. in Chemistry and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) in 1995 and 1997, respectively.
| Education Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Schooling | Kendriya Vidyalaya, Vadodara |
| B.Sc. Chemistry | Maharaja Sayajirao University, 1995 |
| M.Sc. Biochemistry | Maharaja Sayajirao University, 1997 |
| PhD (Incomplete) | Left to join the Indian Army in 1999 |
Military Career
Commissioned into the Corps of Signals in 1999 through the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, Colonel Qureshi has served for over three decades in the Indian Army’s communications backbone.
Historic achievements and leadership in high-stakes operations define her career:
| Career Milestone | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commissioned | 1999 | Joined Corps of Signals as a Lieutenant |
| Operation Parakram | 2001 | Served on Punjab border, earned GOC-in-C Commendation Card |
| UN Peacekeeping Mission, Congo | 2006-2012 | Monitored ceasefires, protected civilians as a military observer |
| Flood Relief Operations | Unknown | Managed communications in Northeast India, earned SO-in-C Commendation |
| Exercise Force 18 | 2016 | First woman to lead 40-member Indian contingent in ASEAN Plus exercise |
| Operation Sindoor | 2025 | Briefed media on strikes against nine terrorist camps |
- Operation Parakram (2001): After the 2001 Parliament attack, Qureshi served along the Punjab border, earning a Commendation Card from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C).
- UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo (2006-2012): Qureshi served six years, focusing on ceasefire monitoring and humanitarian efforts, particularly for women and children. She called it “a proud moment” and a “physically and politically challenging” experience.
- Flood Relief Operations: The Signal Officer-in-Chief (SO-in-C) commended her expertise in managing communications during flood relief in Northeast India.
- Exercise Force 18 (2016): Qureshi was the first woman to lead a 40-member Indian Army contingent in Pune’s ASEAN Plus multinational exercise and the only female contingent commander among 18 nations. Then Lieutenant General Bipin Rawat noted, “She was chosen for her capabilities, not her gender.”
- Operation Sindoor (2025): On May 7, 2025, Qureshi briefed the media on the 25-minute operation that used SCALP cruise missiles, AASM Hammer bombs, and loitering munitions to destroy nine terror sites, including bases in Bahawalpur and Muzaffarabad. She stated, “The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack, ensuring justice for the victims”.
Operation Sindoor: A Closer Look
Operation Sindoor, executed between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM on May 7, 2025, was a tri-services operation involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
It targeted nine terrorist camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, killing over 70 terrorists and injuring 60.
| Operation Sindoor Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | May 7, 2025, 1:05 AM – 1:30 AM |
| Targets | 9 terrorist camps (4 in Pakistan, 5 in PoK) |
| Locations | Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Tehra Kalan (Pakistan); Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Rawalakot, Bhimber, Neelum Valley (PoK) |
| Weapons | SCALP cruise missiles, AASM Hammer bombs, loitering munitions |
| Outcome | Over 70 terrorists killed, 60 injured, camps destroyed |
| Key Groups Targeted | Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen |
Personal Life
Colonel Qureshi balances her military career with a strong family life.
She married Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, a Mechanised Infantry officer, in 2015 in Vadodara after meeting in Jhansi.
They have a son, Sameer, who is preparing to join the Indian Air Force, and a daughter who aspires to follow in her mother’s footsteps.
Her twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, co-runs a film production house in Mumbai.
Shyna shared, “She did not mention the briefing, as duty comes first. We are so proud”.
Qureshi is cautious about social media, often asking Shyna to remove posts that might reveal her location.
| Family Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Father | Taj Mohammad Qureshi, served in 1971 war |
| Grandfather | Religious teacher in the Indian Army |
| Great-Grandfather | Participated in 1857 uprising |
| Husband | Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, Mechanised Infantry |
| Children | Son (Sameer, aspiring IAF officer), Daughter (aspiring Army officer) |
| Twin Sister | Shyna Sunsara, film producer in Mumbai |
Legacy and Recognition
Qureshi’s achievements were cited in a 2020 Supreme Court ruling granting Permanent Commission to women officers, highlighting her leadership in Exercise Force 18 and UN missions.
Her role in Operation Sindoor sparked discussions about nationalism, with some suggesting her image was used to promote Hindu-majority narratives.
Trivia
An inspiring fact is that Qureshi’s great-grandmother was linked to Rani en during the 1857 uprising, a connection Qureshi mentioned in a viral video, reinforcing her pride in her family’s legacy of resistance.
Conclusion
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s journey from Vadodara to the forefront of Operation Sindoor is a testament to courage, leadership, and patriotism.
Her historic achievements—leading multinational exercises, serving in conflict zones, and briefing the nation on a critical operation—have redefined the role of women in India’s armed forces.
As a daughter of Gujarat and a national icon, Qureshi inspires countless individuals to serve with honor.
Her family’s pride, echoed by her father-in-law’s words, “She has done a great thing for the country,” resonates across India.
Our website features more stories of valor and leadership. Join us in celebrating the heroes shaping our nation’s future.
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