Who is Colonel Sofia Quraishi? Know Her Education, Career, Role in Operation Sindoor, and Achievements
Colonel Sofia Quraishi is a senior officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals and one of the most prominent women leaders in the armed forces today. She recently stood in the national spotlight during a media briefing on Operation Sindoor, a strategic strike launched by India on May 7, 2025, in response to the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.
Colonel Quraishi’s journey in the military has been one of perseverance, excellence, and trailblazing achievements. Her leadership and contributions reflect the growing involvement of women in India’s defence and decision-making landscape.
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Early Life and Education: A Legacy of Discipline
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1974, Colonel Sofia Quraishi was raised in a family that valued military service and discipline. Her grandfather had served as a religious instructor in the Indian Army, and his influence deeply shaped her values.
After completing her schooling, she pursued a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in 1997. Although her academic foundation was rooted in science, she chose to join the Army—an unconventional but bold career path for women at the time.
Military Career: Breaking Barriers in the Indian Army
Commissioning and Early Service
Colonel Quraishi was commissioned into the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals in 1999. The Corps is responsible for establishing secure communication lines during both peacetime and warfare—a function vital to modern military operations.
Her early years saw active deployment during Operation Parakram (2001–2002), a military mobilization following the attack on the Indian Parliament. Her dedication during this high-stakes assignment earned her a commendation from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C).
UN Peacekeeping in Congo
From 2006, Colonel Quraishi served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, playing a critical role in coordinating communications and logistics in conflict zones. This six-year tenure made her one of the longest-serving Indian women officers in UN operations.
ASEAN Plus ‘Force 18’ Exercise
In 2016, she led the Indian Army’s contingent at the ASEAN Plus ‘Force 18’ multinational military exercise. She was not only the first Indian woman to command a contingent at such a scale but also the only female commander among the 18 participating nations. Her leadership during the drills set a new benchmark for women in global military cooperation efforts.
Disaster Relief and Technical Excellence
Colonel Quraishi also played a pivotal role during flood relief operations in India’s Northeast, especially in managing emergency communications under adverse conditions. Her contribution was recognized by the Signal Officer-in-Chief, who awarded her a special commendation for exemplary technical and field coordination.
Role in Operation Sindoor: Strategic Communication and National Security
On May 7, 2025, India executed Operation Sindoor, a pre-dawn precision strike targeting nine terrorist infrastructure hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes were a calculated, non-escalatory response to the Pahalgam attack, with the objective of neutralizing terrorist operations across the border.
Colonel Quraishi, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, co-hosted the official press briefing. This was a historic moment as it marked the first time women officers led the communication of a high-level Indian military operation.
She emphasized that the operation was grounded in solid intelligence and was not meant to escalate conflict, but to send a strong message against terrorism. Her clarity, composure, and command over the subject highlighted her capability as both a military leader and a communicator.
Personal Life and Support System
Colonel Sofia Quraishi is married to an officer from the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry, and together, they represent a true defence family. Despite the challenges that come with dual-military careers, they have supported each other through high-pressure postings and assignments.
Awards, Honours, and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Colonel Quraishi has received numerous commendations:
- Commendation by GOC-in-C (Operation Parakram)
- UN Peacekeeping Medals
- Signal Officer-in-Chief’s Commendation for Disaster Relief Ops
- Recognition for commanding India’s contingent at Force 18
Her accomplishments continue to inspire young women to pursue careers in the armed forces and break traditional gender barriers.
Legacy and Impact
Colonel Sofia Quraishi’s military journey is a story of courage, competence, and commanding presence. From combat readiness to international diplomacy, and from disaster management to strategic communication, she has set a powerful example of modern military leadership.
Her role in Operation Sindoor signifies a turning point in how India showcases the capabilities of women officers—not just in operational roles but also in shaping narratives and national strategy.
References and Open Access Sources
To learn more about Colonel Sofia Quraishi and her recent activities, you can refer to the following open-access sources:
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