Colonel Sofia Qureshi: First Woman to Lead Indian Army Contingent | Trailblazer in Uniform

Colonel Sophia Qureshi is a highly esteemed officer of the Indian Army, who has become a history maker with her path-breaking leadership and unflinching commitment towards national service. From being the first woman in India to command a military contingent in an overseas exercise to making the country aware of Operation Sindoor, her career is an inspiring beacon of courage, commitment, and empowerment.

Sophia Qureshi: Early Life and Commissioning

Born in 1990, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi started her career with the Indian Army, dedicating herself to serving the country right from childhood. She was commissioned as an officer of the Indian Army Corps of Signals, and thus began her illustrious career. Through the decades, she made a niche for herself with sheer devotion, overcoming most conventional hurdles that came with being a lady working in a man’s domain.

Sophia Qureshi: Trailblazer in Leadership

One of Colonel Qureshi’s most significant achievements came in 2016, when she made history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at the prestigious Force 18 ASEAN Plus Multinational Field Training Exercise. At just 35 years old, she was the only female Contingent Commander among all the participating nations, a role that saw her lead forces in training missions related to peacekeeping operations.

Her command in this high-profile exercise established with certainty that women officers in the Indian Army could hold jobs of tremendous accountability, and her success was a strong message about gender equality in defense.

Sophia Qureshi: Contributions to International Peacekeeping

Colonel Qureshi’s contributions are not limited to Indian borders. In 2006, she was part of a UN peacekeeping mission in Congo, where she represented India with pride and professionalism. Her performance during this critical mission demonstrated her adeptness in handling high-pressure situations while maintaining international relations and security. It was one of the defining moments of her career, affirming her as a formidable force within the Indian Army.

Sophia Qureshi’s Role in Operation Sindoor

In May 2025, the leadership of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi was once more exhibited when she was chosen to spearhead a press conference following the launch of Operation Sindoor, a major military operation in the wake of a fatal terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. For the first time in Indian armed forces history, two women officers, including Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, were given this high-profile job of speaking on behalf of the country to the media following a major military action.
In the press conference, Colonel Qureshi‘s assertive and confident words sent a message loud and clear about India’s resolve to combat terrorism and protect its sovereignty. It was a symbol of the increasing empowerment of women in the armed forces, and Colonel Qureshi’s front-ranking leadership reinforced the armed forces’ resolve to professionalism and gender equality.

Empowering the Next Generation of Women Soldiers

During her professional life, Colonel Qureshi has worked actively towards increased involvement of women in the Indian Army. She often invites young women to pursue a military career, highlighting the fact that women can shine even in traditionally male-oriented lines of work. Her message to the next generation, “If possible, join the Indian Army,” appeals strongly to women who want to contribute to national defense.

Colonel Qureshi’s outstanding career has served to dispel the stereotypes and encouraged a new generation of women who now look up to her as a role model within the military.

Legacy and Future

With a career spanning more than three decades, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a veteran officer who still inspires women in the military as well as all citizens who respect patriotism, leadership, and national service. Her work with the Indian Army, both leadership and path-breaking achievements, stands as proof of her resilience, discipline, and devotion to the nation.

Her success highlights the increasing presence of women in India’s defense forces, which is an important component of national security. Women such as Colonel Qureshi are no longer an exception today but are fast becoming the face of leadership in India’s military and security establishment.

Trailblazer in Uniform

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a real pioneer in the Indian Army. Her leadership, dedication to national security, and support for women’s participation in the armed forces make her an icon of empowerment and excellence. By her trailblazing accomplishments, Colonel Qureshi has opened doors for generations of women officers to come, demonstrating that the Indian Army is an institution where talent, hard work, and bravery are valued, irrespective of gender.

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