Who is Col Sofia Quraishi? An Indian Army women Officer

Colonel Sofia Quraishi is a symbol of courage, professionalism, and leadership in the Indian Armed Forces. Her illustrious career, spanning over two decades, has seen her rise through the ranks while breaking barriers traditionally held by men in uniform. Col Quraishi's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, from commanding international military exercises to playing pivotal roles in counterterrorism and humanitarian missions.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1974 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sofia Quraishi hails from a family with strong military values. Her grandfather served as a religious teacher in the Indian Army, instilling in her a sense of duty and discipline from a young age.

A bright student, she completed her Master’s in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1997. Driven by a deep sense of patriotism and service, she joined the Indian Army Corps of Signals in 1999.

Military Career and Achievements

Over the years, Col Quraishi has earned a distinguished reputation for her operational excellence, leadership capabilities, and groundbreaking achievements in both national and international arenas.

Key Milestones in Her Career

Year	Event
1999	Joined Indian Army Corps of Signals
2001	Played a key role in Operation Parakram after Parliament attack; received GOC-in-C commendation
2006–2012	Served six years in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Congo
2016	First Indian woman officer to lead Indian contingent in multinational exercise ‘Force 18’
2024	Led media briefing on Operation Sindoor

Operation Parakram (2001)

Following the Indian Parliament terror attack in December 2001, the Indian Army launched Operation Parakram to mobilize forces along the Indo-Pak border. Col Quraishi played a pivotal communications role on the Punjab border, ensuring uninterrupted command and control under high-stress conditions. Her exemplary service earned her a Commendation Card from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C).

United Nations Peacekeeping (2006–2012)

Her dedication extended beyond national borders during her six-year tenure with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She contributed to maintaining peace and stability in the war-torn region, calling it “a moment of pride” to help bring calm to conflict zones.

International Recognition – Exercise Force 18 (2016)

In 2016, Col Quraishi broke new ground when she became the first Indian woman officer to command a multinational military contingent at the ASEAN Plus military exercise ‘Force 18.’ Representing India among 18 participating nations, she was the only woman commander—an achievement that placed her on the global military map.

Operation Sindoor (2024)

In May 2024, India launched Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike against nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These camps were believed to be involved in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 Indian nationals.

Col Quraishi, alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, briefed the nation and media on the details of the operation following Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s initial statement.

She revealed that the strikes occurred between 1:05 am and 1:30 am, targeting sites identified through credible intelligence. Her calm, confident presence at the press briefing reaffirmed her stature as a trusted voice of the Indian Army.

Disaster Relief and Civil Operations

Col Quraishi’s service isn’t limited to the battlefield. She was actively involved in flood relief operations in Northeast India, where her expertise in managing military communications proved critical. Her efforts earned her another commendation from the Signal Officer-in-Chief (SO-in-C).

Personal Life and Values

Col Sofia Quraishi is married to a fellow officer in the Mechanised Infantry of the Indian Army. Her personal and professional lives reflect deep-rooted values of service, sacrifice, and resilience.

She continues to serve in the Mechanised Infantry branch, known for its fast-moving, high-impact operations. Despite the physical and emotional demands of her role, she remains committed to her duty and has expressed readiness to work in any terrain or location until the mission is completed.

Conclusion

Col Sofia Quraishi represents the new face of the Indian military—bold, competent, and inclusive. Her legacy is not just one of personal success but also of paving the way for future generations of women in uniform. Whether on international platforms or at home, her presence reinforces the Indian Army’s commitment to professionalism, equality, and strategic excellence.

References

1.       Government of Gujarat. (2024). Statement on Col Sofia Quraishi’s military background.

2.       Indian Army Press Briefing. (2024). Operation Sindoor Media Coverage.

3.       United Nations Peacekeeping Records. (2006–2012). Personnel Deployment Reports – DR Congo.

4.       Ministry of Defence, India. (2016). Report on Force 18 Military Exercise.

5.       Times of India. (2024). Col Quraishi’s role in Operation Parakram and flood relief missions.