When Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stepped in front of the cameras on May 7, 2025, to brief the nation on Operation Sindoor, she didn’t just announce a military maneuver — she signaled a seismic shift in India’s armed forces. Her poise, precision, and authority on that podium were more than just a military update; they were a message to every young woman watching: leadership knows no gender.
From Vadodara to the Vanguard
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi was raised amidst the values of discipline and service. With a grandfather and father both in the military, patriotism coursed through her veins. But rather than walk in their shadows, she chose to forge her own path — a path paved with grit, intellect, and an unshakeable resolve. After earning a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry, she entered the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, and in 1990, was commissioned into the Indian Army’s Signal Corps.
Back then, the very idea of a woman leading troops was still novel. Until 1992, women in the Army served exclusively in non-combat roles. Colonel Qureshi’s entry into the Corps of Signals was not just a personal milestone — it was a step into uncharted territory. And she didn’t just step in. She marched.
Leading from the Front — Literally
Colonel Qureshi’s early career saw her in the thick of humanitarian operations, from coordinating rescue efforts during the devastating North-East floods to becoming a peacekeeping powerhouse on foreign soil. In 2006, she was deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo with the United Nations, where she monitored ceasefires and facilitated humanitarian outreach. She didn’t just hold her ground — she helped heal it.
Fast forward to 2016: Colonel Qureshi broke another glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. Titled ‘Exercise Force 18,’ this ASEAN-led mission emphasized peacekeeping and mine-clearance — roles that required sharp strategy and solid nerves. She stood at the helm, commanding with dignity and precision, embodying a quiet power that spoke volumes.
The Timeline of a Trailblazer
- 1990: Commissioned into the Corps of Signals.
- 2006: UN Peacekeeping in the Democratic Republic of Congo — a mission of diplomacy and humanitarian aid.
- 2016: First Indian woman to command a military contingent in multinational military exercises.
- 2020: Appointed Second-in-Command of the Military Provost Unit, where she trained India’s first Women Military Police.
- 2025: The face of Operation Sindoor — India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Operation Sindoor: A New Chapter
In 2025, when India launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle terror networks in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, it was Colonel Qureshi who stepped up to communicate the nation’s strategic response. She wasn’t just relaying information; she was anchoring confidence. For millions watching, this moment was electric — a woman speaking not just with authority, but as the authoritative voice of India’s military.
This was more than symbolic. It was a definitive stamp of credibility on women’s growing presence in defense roles.
Rewriting the Rules
Colonel Qureshi is part of a broader movement in the Indian Armed Forces. Women like Lt Col Shubha Bhat, who commanded a border post in Kashmir, or Captain Divya Ajith, who soared through the skies in a Sukhoi-30, are challenging the mold. The old question — “Can women lead in combat?” — is being replaced with a better one: “Why weren’t they leading sooner?”
Even so, women currently make up just 4.5% of India’s military force. It’s clear the trailblazers are here, but the path still needs clearing. With institutional support, policy reform, and continued mentorship, the next generation may walk a road smoother than the one Colonel Qureshi carved.
More Than a Soldier
What sets Colonel Qureshi apart isn’t just her battlefield strategy — it’s her off-field influence. In 2020, she trained the first batch of Women Military Police, preparing them for counter-insurgency duties. Her legacy is as much about mentorship as it is about medals. Her message to young aspirants is simple: join the army, serve with pride, and lead without apology.
The Future is Uniform
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has become a symbol of what the future of India’s defense could look like: inclusive, competent, and bold. She isn’t an exception. She’s a blueprint. As more women don the olive green, march into strategy rooms, and lead operations, the Indian Army edges closer to becoming not just a symbol of strength, but one of equality.
The road ahead is still long, but with leaders like Colonel Qureshi lighting the way, it’s never been clearer — this is just the beginning.