Col Sofiya Qureshi’s family: Her grandfather was a religious teacher in the Indian Army, husband is an officer in the Infantry

Col Sofiya Qureshi, a senior officer in the Indian Army, was among the top military leaders who briefed the media during India's ‘Operation Sindoor’ on Wednesday. She comes from a family with a history of service. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army as a religious teacher, and her husband is an officer in the Army’s Mechanized Infantry.

Col Sofiya Qureshi: Family background rooted in service

Col Sofiya Qureshi hails from Vadodara, Gujarat. Her grandfather, who was in the Indian Army, served as a religious teacher, a role that focuses on guiding soldiers in moral and spiritual matters. This family legacy of military service continued with her husband, who currently serves in the Mechanized Infantry, a division of the Army trained in armored warfare.

Also Read: ‘Educate your daughters to serve the Nation’, says Col Sofiya Qureshi's mother as she becomes the face of Operation Sindoor

Col Sofiya Qureshi: Academic beginnings and Army career

Before joining the Army, Sofiya completed her Master’s degree in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1997. Despite her background in science, she opted for a military career and joined the Corps of Signals. Over the years, she has taken on several key responsibilities and leadership roles in the Army.

Col Sofiya Qureshi: Breaking new ground

In 2016, Col Sofiya became the first woman officer to lead the Indian contingent at the multinational military exercise ‘Force 18’. The event was held among ASEAN Plus countries. She was the only woman commander among representatives from 18 countries.

Col Sofiya Qureshi's Role in UN peacekeeping efforts

Her military service also includes international responsibilities. In 2006, she was deployed in Congo as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. During her six-year tenure with the UN mission, she contributed to peace-building and humanitarian work in the region.

Col Sofiya Qureshi Part of India's top military briefing team

On Wednesday, Col Sofiya Qureshi joined Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh to brief the media about the missile strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor. The strikes were conducted in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. Indian forces targeted nine terror sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.