Who Is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi? Army Officer Who Briefed Operation Sindoor With Foreign Secretary

Col Sofiya Qureshi is the first woman leading an Indian Army training contingent at Force 18, which is a multinational field exercise involving ASEAN Plus countries.

India is currently at a state of war with Pakistan after the saddening Pahalgam attack. After the commencement of ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, along with Col Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian army, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force briefed the media about the operation. Here’s a brief of who Col Qureshi is, leading the operation.

Who Is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi?

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is an officer from the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals. She is also the first woman leading an Indian Army training contingent at Force 18, which is a multinational field exercise involving ASEAN Plus countries. Qureshi was also the only female commander among all participating nations, under the country’s dedication to promoting women’s participation in military roles.

#WATCH | #OperationSindoor, Col. Sofiya Qureshi says, “Operation Sindoor was launched to give justice to victims of Pahalgam terrorist attack. Nine terrorist camps were targeted and destroyed.” pic.twitter.com/8nbLHN6a3k

— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2025

She also has vast experience in peacekeeping operations and was a part of the Indian mission in Congo in 2006. Colonel Sofiya has been presently involved in the United Nations peacekeeping efforts. Her role focused on training concerning peacekeeping operations and humanitarian mine action. She also had a clear message for young Indian women choosing meaningful and challenging careers: “If possible, join the Indian Army.” In 2016, the Southern Army Commander, Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, praised her leadership, noting that the Indian Army believes in equal opportunities and responsibilities for all personnel, regardless of their gender.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Why THESE 9 Terror Camps Were Targetted By Indian Army?

More On Operation Sindoor

On Wednesday, May 7, the armed forces targeted and destroyed 9 terror hideouts that belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation also marked India’s most decisive strike in response to the recent Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 Indian civilians.

Also Read: Shikhar Dhawan Defends Indian Army Amid Shahid Afridi’s Remark On Pahalgam Attack

First Published: May 07, 2025 12:43 PM