Meet Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, first woman to lead an Indian military contingent abroad, briefed the press on Operation Sindoor

As tensions rose following India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, two senior women officers from the Armed Forces made history by jointly addressing the media. Among them was Colonel Sofyia Qureshi, a decorated officer of the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, who stood before the nation and explained the contours of one of India’s most significant counter-terror operations in recent years.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor Impact: Defence stocks surge up to 4% as India hits terror hubs in Pakistan, PoJK

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Operation Sindoor, carried out on May 7, targeted nine terror-related sites with coordinated action by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, using special precision munitions. In a first, Colonel Qureshi, along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force, represented the tri-services at the national media briefing, alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

First woman to lead an Indian military contingent overseas

Colonel Qureshi isn’t new to breaking barriers. In 2016, she became the first Indian woman officer to command a military contingent in a multinational exercise leading India’s team at Exercise Force 18, the largest such drill hosted by India. She was the only female commander among 18 nations participating, marking a major milestone for women in the Indian Army.

Leading lady
Lt Col Sophia Qureshi, 1st woman officer to lead an Army training contingent at Force18 – #ASEAN Plus multin’l field trg ex in 2016. She was only Woman Officers Contingent Commander among all #ASEAN Plus contingents. #WomensDay #IWD2020 #EachforEqual #SheInspiresUs pic.twitter.com/CkNipN02mp

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) March 8, 2020

Hailing from Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi comes from a military background  her grandfather served in the Army, and her husband is part of the Mechanised Infantry. She holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, showcasing her academic strength along with military precision.

UN peacekeeping and global experience

Colonel Qureshi has also served in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, including a vital posting in Congo (2006), where she monitored ceasefires and supported humanitarian missions. These roles prepared her for high-pressure environments like the present scenario.

By briefing the press during Operation Sindoor, Colonel Qureshi has become a symbol of India’s evolving military leadership one that is capable, inclusive, and confident. Her presence at the press briefing was not just historic, but also a testament to the increasing role of women in national defence strategy.