Colonel Sofia Qureshi is one of the few women officers who have made a special identity in the Indian Army with her hard work, ability and leadership. She is associated with the “Corps of Signals” unit of the Indian Army. In the year 2016, she created history when she became the first Indian woman to lead an army team in a multinational military training called “Exercise Force 18”.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sophia Qureshi |
| Rank | Colonel (Indian Army) |
| Birth Year | 1981 |
| Birth Place | Vadodara, Gujarat, India |
| Age (as of 2025) | 44 years |
| Religion | Islam |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height (approx.) | 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) |
| Education | B.Sc. in Chemistry, M.Sc. in Biochemistry |
| College/University | Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU) |
| Service Branch | Indian Army – Corps of Signals |
| Husband | Major Tajuddin Qureshi |
| Known For | First Indian woman to lead an Army team in a multinational exercise (Force 18) |
| Awards | Multiple Army Commendation Cards |
| Marital Status | Not Publicly Known |
Early Life and Education
Sofia Qureshi was born in 1981 in Vadodara (Gujarat). Her family has been associated with the army since the beginning – both her grandfather and father have served in the Indian Army. That is why since childhood she had a special sense of patriotism, discipline and duty.
He did his early schooling in Vadodara and then completed B.Sc. (Chemistry) and then M.Sc. (Biochemistry) from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Despite studying science, he always had a desire to join the army.
Joining the Army
Instead of going for a regular civilian career, Sophia chose to serve the nation. She joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai in 1999 and was commissioned into the Corps of Signals, which is the technical wing of the Indian Army that handles communication and technology.
Military Career and Contributions
During her Army career, Colonel Sophia Qureshi took part in several important missions:
- She was involved in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and Northeast India.
- She played a role in disaster relief missions, including flood rescue operations.
- For her outstanding service, she received multiple commendation cards, which are given as a mark of appreciation in the Army.
History Making Moment – “Exercise
In 2016, Colonel Sofia Qureshi led a 17-member team of the Indian Army in “Exercise Force 18”, which was held in Thailand. It was a joint military exercise involving armies from ASEAN countries as well as 8 other countries.
This moment was also special because for the first time an Indian woman officer had taken command of such a military team at the international level. Not only war strategy, but representing India was also a part of this responsibility – and she did this job with full devotion.
A woman power
Colonel Sofia Qureshi has today become the symbol of a strong woman who shows that women are not behind in any field – even if it is a difficult and traditionally male-dominated field like the army. Her story has given confidence to many girls across the country that they too can do something big by joining the army and bring glory to the country.
Awards and Recognition
- She has received several commendation cards from senior Army officials.
- She is seen as a role model for young women not just in the Army but across society.
- She has helped open new doors for women in defense services and inspired future generations.