Colonel Sofiya Qureshi from the Indian Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh from the Indian Air Force are one of the two female officers who unveiled the success of India’s precision strike, ‘Operation Sindoor’. They gave the high-level military briefing to the press on India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, a counter-attack to the Pahalgam incident. Did you know Colonel Sofiya Qureshi comes from a military family background? In this article, we are going to discuss all about the gallant Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
India strongly retaliated after the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. It was one of the most lethal attacks on civilians since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Reportedly, the terrorists were heavily armed and had brutally shot only the male Hindu tourists.
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Who is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi? Here is everything you need to know about the brave woman officer.
1. Sofiya Qureshi was born in 1974 at Gujarat’s Vadodara, India.
2. Sofiya’s great-grandfather was part of the historic 1857 revolt
Sofiya hails from a family with a strong military background. Her father, Taj Mohammad Qureshi, fought in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Her grandfather served in the Religious Teacher (RT) cadre in the Indian Army, he was also part of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers.
Sofiya’s great-grandfather was part of the historic 1857 revolt and also served in the British Indian Army. Her family lives in the Tandalja locality of Vadodara, and she has three brothers and a sister. Shyna Sunsara is the twin sister of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
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As per The New Indian Express report, Sofiya’s brother revealed that their other sister, Shyna Qureshi, also wanted to join the Indian Army, but couldn’t qualify for the test because of height constraints.
Her brother, Sanjay Qureshi, shared,
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“My grandfather and my father were both in the army. My father was with the EME Corps in Vadodara and even served during the 1971 war. My father’s maternal grandfather also served in the British Army and later participated in the 1857 freedom struggle.”
3. Her great-grandmother fought with Rani Laxmibai
A resurfaced 2017 interview sheds light on Sofiya Qureshi inspiring lineage, where she spoke of a profound ancestral tie—her great-grandmother had fought alongside Rani Laxmibai in the 1857 revolt. She said,
“I am a Fauji kid, so I have been exposed to the Army environment, and not only that, my great-grandmother was with Rani Laxmi Bai, she was a woman warrior. My grandfather, who was also in the Army, he used to say, ‘It is the responsibility of every citizen to be alert and stand up for our country and with the nation.”
Colonel Sofia Qureshi who co-briefed India’s communication today has full on military background
1. Dad is in army
2. Grand dad is in army
3. Her great grandmother was with Laxmi baiTrue nationalists 👌🏼 pic.twitter.com/bKwYU2O0Rk
— Kaustubh (@DexterousRd) May 7, 2025
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4. Sofiya Qureshi’s educational qualification
The officer completed her schooling in Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME. She holds a Master’s degree in biochemistry from the Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1997. Presently, the 1999 commissioned officer of the Indian Army is now an officer in the Indian Army’s critical Corps of Signals.
Her brother Sanjay said,
“She was even pursuing her PhD, but learning about the recruitment of women officers in the Indian Army, she quit the PhD programme and joined the forces”
Sofiya had a clear message for women,
“If possible, join the Indian Army.”
5. In 2006, she was deployed as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Congo
In Congo, Sofiya risked her life to reunite a five-year-old girl with her parents, earning admiration from Congolese women. There, she was responsible for monitoring ceasefires and aiding humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
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6. In 2016, Sofiya became the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multi-national field training exercise
She made history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multi-national field training exercise, Exercise Force 18 hosted by India. The exercise concentrated on making interoperability for peacekeeping among ASEAN nations. She also made significant contributions to flood relief operations in the Northeast. This proves her versatility as both a leader in combat and a crisis responder.
Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Bipin Rawat commended her leadership, stating that the Army believes in equal opportunity and responsibility for all personnel, regardless of gender.
7. For the multinational military exercise, Sofiya was also awarded the Chief of Army Staff Plaque of Honour
Sofiya secured the first position of Provost Marshal and made her place in her unit.
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8. Cyber Defence Expertise
In 2017, she was appointed as Deputy Director-General of India’s Cyber Defence Command. She played a pivotal role in defining India’s military cyber doctrine and developing cyber training initiatives.
9. In 2019, her achievements earned her a mention in the UK House of Commons for the Global Peace Gandhi Award.
10. In 2020, she was recognised by the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment on gender parity that included 10 other women officers
They emphasized their contributions to the Indian Army and opening the door for greater female representation in the Indian Army’s top positions.
11. Strategic Communications Leadership
Promoted to Major General in 2022, Qureshi commanded the Strategic Communications Division, overseeing the integration of electronic warfare and cyber operations.
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12. Sofiya Qureshi married Tajuddin Bagewadi, who is also a serving officer in the Indian Army
Sofiya Qureshi tied the knot with Tajuddin Bagewadi in 2015. He is a resident of Konnur village, Karnataka. Sofiya and Tajuddin had a love cum arranged marriage. Both of them are now serving officers in the Indian Army.
According to The New Indian Express report, Sofiya Qureshi is posted in Jammu, and Tajuddin serves in Jhansi. The brave couple is now proud parents of an 18-year-old boy. Their son is preparing to join the Indian Armed Forces (IAF).
13. Sofiya has inspired over 25,000 students across several states, including Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and J&K, through the Sapta Shakti Student Outreach Programme.
14. Sofiya Qureshi gave the high-level military briefing to the press on India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’,
Operation Sindoor was a counter-attack to the Pahalgam incident on May 7, 2025, She gave the briefing alongside Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
15. Role in the 2025 India-Pakistan Conflict
During the 2025 conflict, she led a cyber-integrated rapid deployment unit along the western front for securing military communications and countering cyberattacks on strategic systems.
16. Recognition and Awards
Her service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Vishisht Seva Medal (2019), UN Peacekeeping Medal (2017), and COAS Commendation (2010).
17. Educator and Mentor
Beyond her military duties, she has served as guest faculty at the National Defence College and mentored officers in cyber warfare and strategic communications.
What are your thoughts on Sofiya Qureshi, who has been maintaining a long-term legacy serving the nation like her family? Let us know in the comments.
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