Who is Col Sofiya Qureshi? Indian Army officer who gave details of Operation Sindoor during media briefing

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. (Image: X/@SpokespersonMoD)

After India struck at least nine terror infrastructure in Pakistan and POK, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi briefed the media on Operation Sindoor.

Two women officers being a part of the panel briefing the media about Operation Sindoor is not just a defining moment but also reflects India's commitment to honour the widows of those who perished in the ghastly Pahalgam attack on April 22. It also highlights the evolving role of women in India's defense services.

Also Read: Operation Sindoor News Live

Who is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi?

- In 2016, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi made history as the first woman officer to command an Indian Army contingent at a multi-national military exercise-Exercise Force 18 - India's largest-hosted foreign military drill - in Pune. The exercise involved 18 countries and focused on Peacekeeping Operations and Humanitarian Mine Action. At the time, she was the only woman leader among the 18 contingents, commanding a 40-member Indian team.

- She is an officer from the Corps of Signals, responsible for military communications and information systems.

- Speaking about her, then Army Commander of Southern Command, Lt Gen Bipin Rawat, once said that her selection was based on her capabilities and leadership qualities rather than her gender.

- Sofiya Qureshi had served in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo in 2006 and had been associated with peacekeeping operations for over six years.

- Military service runs in her blood as she comes from an Army background. Her grandfather served in the forces and she is married to an Army officer from the Mechanised Infantry. She hails from Gujarat, holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, and brings academic strength to her military acumen.