Sophia Qureshi is a high-ranking officer in the Indian Army. She made history as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. She serves in the Corps of Signals, handling military communications.
Born in Gujarat, India, Sophia comes from a military family. Her grandfather was also in the Indian Army, which influenced her career path. She was commissioned into the Army in 1999 after training at the Officers Training Academy.
Sophia has led Indian troops in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, serving for six years. In 2016, she commanded the Indian team at Exercise Force 18, India’s largest-hosted foreign military drill. She has also played a key role in Operation Sindoor, a mission targeting terrorist infrastructure.
Her leadership has earned her respect and recognition within the armed forces. With a background in biochemistry, she brings both academic and military expertise to her roles. Sophia Qureshi continues to inspire future generations in defense services.
Early Life and Education
Sophia Qureshi was born in Gujarat, India, into a family with a strong military background. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, which greatly influenced her career choice. Growing up, she was exposed to stories of discipline, leadership, and service, which inspired her to follow the same path.
From a young age, Sophia showed a keen interest in learning and problem-solving. She was highly motivated and determined, qualities that would later shape her success in the armed forces. Her upbringing instilled values of dedication, resilience, and patriotism, which became the foundation of her future career.
Education
Sophia pursued a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, demonstrating her academic excellence and analytical skills. This field of study requires precision and critical thinking, qualities that have also benefited her military career.
Her education provided her with a strong foundation in scientific principles and logic, which proved useful in strategic planning and leadership roles. After completing her studies, she joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA), where she underwent rigorous military training. In 1999, she was commissioned into the Corps of Signals, a unit specializing in military communications and technological operations.
Her academic background, combined with her military training, has made her a skilled and respected officer in the Indian Army.
Husband, Children, and Family
Sophia Qureshi is married to an officer from the Mechanised Infantry of the Indian Army. Her husband, like her, has a distinguished career in the armed forces. Their shared background in military service strengthens their relationship, as they both understand the challenges and responsibilities that come with serving their country.
While there is limited publicly available information about Sophia Qureshi’s children, she has always been a strong advocate for dedication and commitment in both personal and professional life. Her family remains an important pillar of support throughout her career.
Coming from a military family, Sophia was deeply influenced by her grandfather, who served in the Indian Army. Her upbringing instilled values of discipline, leadership, and perseverance, which she carries into her service.
Despite the demands of her career, she maintains a balance between family and duty. Her journey continues to inspire many, especially young women aspiring to join the armed forces. She is a role model, proving that strong leadership and dedication can coexist with a fulfilling personal life.
Career
Sophia Qureshi has built an outstanding career in the Indian Army, earning recognition for her leadership and dedication. She was commissioned into the Corps of Signals in 1999 after training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA). The Corps of Signals plays a crucial role in military communications, ensuring smooth and secure communication across operations.
One of her most notable achievements came in 2016, when she made history as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. She commanded the Indian team at Exercise Force 18, India’s largest-hosted foreign military drill. The exercise included contingents from 18 nations, and she was the only female commander among them. Her leadership in this event was widely praised, marking a significant milestone for women in the armed forces.
Sophia has also played a key role in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, serving for six years. In 2006, she was part of the UN Mission in Congo, where she helped monitor ceasefires and supported humanitarian efforts. UN missions demand strong leadership and crisis management skills, and her contributions showcased her ability to handle complex international security challenges.
More recently, she was involved in Operation Sindoor, a military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure. She was one of the key officers responsible for briefing the media about the mission’s objectives and progress. Her involvement in such critical operations highlights her continued leadership and strategic expertise in defense matters.
Throughout her career, Sophia Qureshi has demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and commitment to the armed forces. She remains an inspiration for young officers and aspiring military leaders, particularly women looking to serve in defense roles. Her contributions to military strategy, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism solidify her reputation as a respected and accomplished officer in the Indian Army.
Latest News on Sophia Qureshi
Colonel Sophia Qureshi recently briefed the media on Operation Sindoor, a major military operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces. The operation targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
During the press briefing, Colonel Qureshi explained that the operation was carried out between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM on May 7, 2025. She emphasized that the mission aimed to bring justice to the victims of the attack.
Colonel Qureshi, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, played a key role in presenting details of the operation to the public. This marks one of the largest retaliatory strikes since the Balakot airstrikes in 2019.
Her leadership continues to inspire many, as she remains a respected figure in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals. She has previously led Exercise Force 18 and served in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
FAQs
Who is Sophia Qureshi?
Sophia Qureshi is a senior officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals. She made history as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise.
What is her role in the Indian Army?
She specializes in military communications and has led Indian troops in international exercises and peacekeeping missions.
Has she received any awards?
While specific awards are not widely documented, her leadership in Exercise Force 18 and Operation Sindoor has earned her recognition.
What is Exercise Force 18?
It was a multinational military exercise held in India in 2016, where Sophia Qureshi led the Indian team.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a military strike against terrorist infrastructure. Sophia Qureshi played a key role in briefing the media about the operation.
Her contributions to the Indian Army continue to inspire many, especially women aspiring to serve in defense roles.