Sofiya Qureshi
Sofiya Qureshi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | April 18, 1981 Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Service/ | Indian Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Army Signal Corps |
| Commands held | UN Peacekeeping Force (DRC) Indian Cyber Defence Command Indian Rapid Deployment Unit |
| Battles/wars | 2025 India–Pakistan conflict |
| Awards | Special Service Medal Operation Vijay Medal Operation Parakram Medal Sainya Seva Medal Videsh Seva Medal 75th Independence Anniversary Medal 20 Years Long Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal United Nations Medal Gandhi Peace Award (2019) |
| Other work | Guest faculty at National Defence College |
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (born 1981)[1] is a senior officer in the Indian Army, currently holding the rank of Colonel. She is notable for being the first woman to lead an all-male Indian contingent in a United Nations peacekeeping mission and gained national attention for her leadership role during the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict. As a specialist in military communications and cyber warfare, Qureshi has played a pioneering role in modernizing the Indian Army's technological capabilities while breaking gender barriers in the armed forces.[2]
Early life and education
Sofiya Qureshi was born in 1981 in Vadodara, to Mohammad Qureshi, and Amina Qureshi.[1] She earned a degree in Biotechnology.[3]
Military education
- Technical Staff Officers Course, Military College of Telecommunication Engineering, Mhow (1999)
- Defence Services Staff College, Wellington – Master’s in Defence and Strategic Studies (2005–06)[4]
- Higher Command Course, Army War College, Mhow (2013)
- National Defence College, New Delhi (2018) – Strategic cybersecurity[5]
Military career
Early career and technical contributions
Commissioned in 1994 into the Army Signal Corps, Qureshi served in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and North-East India. In 2001, she helped develop the Army’s first mobile digital communication network.[6] As Lieutenant Colonel by 2008, she led modernization at the Signal Intelligence Wing, Army HQ.[7]
UN peacekeeping mission (2016–2017)
In 2016, as Colonel, she led over 500 Indian troops in MONUSCO, DRC—the first woman to command an all-male Indian peacekeeping unit.[8] Her unit-maintained peace in volatile North Kivu, conducted disarmament, and enabled humanitarian aid.
Cyber Defence Command (2017–2022)
Appointed Brigadier and Deputy Director-General of India’s Cyber Defence Command, she helped define India’s military cyber doctrine, developed cyber training ranges, and led threat detection initiatives.[9]
Promotion to Major General and Strategic Leadership
In 2022, she became Major General and commanded the Strategic Communications Division, overseeing integration of electronic warfare and cyber ops.[10]
Role in 2025 India–Pakistan conflict
Qureshi led a cyber-integrated rapid deployment unit along the western front. Her unit secured military communications and repelled cyber-attacks on strategic systems.[11]
Recognition and awards
- Sena Medal (2025)[citation needed]
- Vishisht Seva Medal (2019)
- UN Peacekeeping Medal (2017)
- COAS Commendation (2010)
- GOC-in-C Eastern Command Commendation (2003)
- Global Peace Gandhi Award (2019) [12]
- First Provost Marshall in her unit [13]
Contributions
Technology modernization
She led the Army’s shift toward Network-centric warfare, boosting situational awareness and secure battlefield communication.[14]
Training and doctrine
Authored cyber doctrine papers, mentored at Military College of Telecommunication Engineering and College of Defence Management.
Legacy
Qureshi symbolizes the evolving role of women in India’s military. She has influenced policy changes including permanent commission and NDA entry for women. Analysts regard her as emblematic of modern warfare leadership.[15]
Personal life
Married to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi.[16] They have a son.[17][18]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Raja, Aditi (2025-05-08). "'We spoke yesterday… she did not mention a word': Col Sofiya Qureshi's twin sister". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "Supreme Court praised Colonel Sofiya Qureshi in 2020 ruling on Permanent Commission to women Army officers". The Hindu. 8 May 2025.
- ↑ "Operation Sindoor: Internet hails Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, IAF Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led media briefing". The Indian Express. 2025-05-07. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "Who is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi the decorated Army officer who briefed media on Operation Sindoor Indian Army". Jagran (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ Service, Statesman News (2025-05-08). "Col Sofia Qureshi's MP connection". The Statesman. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "Colonel Sophia Qureshi's achievements in Supreme Court verdict". Mathrubhumi. 2025-05-09. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ Jukanti, Prasad (2025-05-07). "Sofia Qureshi: Discussion on Colonel Sofia Qureshi's religion.. Indians' counter to Pakistani girl". www.dishadaily.com (in తెలుగు). Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ Service, Express News (2025-05-08). "Family proud of Belagavi's daughter-in-law Col Sofia Qureshi who unveiled Operation Sindoor's success". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "Sophia Qureshi: Who is Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi, who told the whole story of 'Operation Sindoor'". Amar Ujala (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ Apoorvanand (2025-05-08). "Sofia Qureshi Is the Face of Indian Nationalism—But Fathima Was Left to Die Unseen". Frontline. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "Sofia Qureshi - Belagavi's proud daughter-in-law". The Hindu. 2025-05-08. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "The many laurels of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: 15 things you need to know about her". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-05-10.
- ↑ "The many laurels of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi: 15 things you need to know about her". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-05-10.
- ↑ "Left PhD and joined the army, sister in film industry… 5 things related to Colonel Sofia Qureshi". Jansatta (in हिन्दी). 2025-05-07. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "Colonel Sophia Qureshi's in-laws in Karnataka celebrate her role in Operation Sindoor". India Today. 2025-05-08. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ Service, Express News (2025-05-08). "Family proud of Belagavi's daughter-in-law Col Sofia Qureshi who unveiled Operation Sindoor's success". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "Colonel Sofia Qureshi's Family Tree: Service To The Nation Since The Revolt Of 1857". News18. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
- ↑ "SC Cited Col Sofia Qureshi's Achievements in Landmark Ruling for Women Army Officers". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2025-05-09.
External links
- Official Indian Army website
- United Nations Peacekeeping
- Women in Indian Armed Forces – Ministry of Defence
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- CS1 हिन्दी-language sources (hi)
- CS1 తెలుగు-language sources (te)
- 1981 births
- People from Lucknow
- Indian Army officers
- Women in war in South Asia
- Indian women in war
- Recipients of the Sena Medal
- Recipients of the Vishisht Seva Medal
- IIT Kanpur alumni
- Defence Services Staff College alumni
- National Defence College, India alumni
- Military personnel from Uttar Pradesh
