Colonel Sofia Qureshi (born April 18, 1981) is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals. She made history as the first Indian woman to lead an all-male contingent in a United Nations peacekeeping mission and later commanded India’s representation at the multinational military exercise ‘Force 18’ in 2016.
With a career spanning over two decades, Colonel Qureshi has been at the forefront of modernizing military communications and advocating for greater inclusion of women in the armed forces.
Profile Summary
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Colonel Sofia Qureshi |
| Date of Birth | April 18, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Vadodara, Gujarat, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Occupation | Indian Army Officer (Colonel) |
| Branch | Corps of Signals |
| Years of Service | 1999 – Present |
| Education | M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Major Tajuddin Qureshi |
| Children | One (Sameer) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 65 kg (145 lbs) |
| Famous For | First Indian woman to lead an all-male UN peacekeeping contingent |
| Major Operations | Operation Sindoor, UN Peacekeeping in Congo, Force 18 exercise |
| Awards | Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, UN Peacekeeping Medal, and more |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | INR 5–7 million |
| Social Media | Maintains a low profile |
Early Life and Education
Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, Colonel Qureshi hails from a family with a strong military background. Her grandfather served as a religious teacher in the Indian Army, and her father was also an army officer.
She completed her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya, EME, and pursued higher education at Maharaja Sayajirao University, earning a Master’s degree in Biochemistry in 1997 .
Military Career
Commissioning and Early Service
Colonel Qureshi was commissioned into the Indian Army through the Officers Training Academy, Chennai, in 1999. She joined the Corps of Signals, specializing in military communications. Her early assignments included counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East regions of India.
United Nations Peacekeeping Mission
In 2006, she was deployed as a military observer in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. During her six-year tenure, she played a vital role in peace-building efforts and humanitarian missions, earning commendations for her service .
Leadership Roles and Recognitions
In 2016, Colonel Qureshi led the Indian Army contingent at the ‘Force 18’ multinational military exercise, becoming the first and only woman officer among 18 participating nations to command a contingent. Her leadership was widely recognized and commended .
She has also been instrumental in modernizing the Indian Army’s communication systems, contributing to the development of mobile digital communication networks and enhancing cybersecurity measures .
Operation Sindoor
In May 2025, following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Colonel Qureshi was among the top military leaders who briefed the media on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ India’s retaliatory strikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Her role underscored the growing presence and leadership of women in the Indian military .
Personal Life
Colonel Qureshi is married to Major Tajuddin Qureshi, an officer in the Indian Army’s Mechanized Infantry. The couple has a son named Sameer. Her twin sister, Dr. Shyna Sunsara, is a multifaceted personality—an economist, environmentalist, and former beauty queen who has been recognized for her contributions to various fields .
Physical Attributes
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 65 kg (145 lbs)
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
Religion, Ethnicity, and Nationality
Colonel Qureshi practices Islam and is of Indian nationality and ethnicity.
Net Worth
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Colonel Qureshi’s net worth is estimated to be around INR 5-7 million, considering her rank, years of service, and various commendations.
Awards and Recognitions
- Sena Medal (2025)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (2019)
- UN Peacekeeping Medal (2017)
- COAS Commendation (2010)
Force Commander Appreciation
- Chief of Army Staff Plaque of Honour
- General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Commendation Card for Operation Parakram
- Signal Officer-in-Chief Commendation Card for flood relief operations in the North East
- Certificate of Excellence from the Cambodian Army
Social Media Presence
Colonel Qureshi maintains a low profile on social media platforms, focusing primarily on her military duties and responsibilities.
FAQs
Q: What is Colonel Sofia Qureshi’s date of birth?
A: She was born on April 18, 1981.
Q: Has she been involved in any controversies?
A: There are no public records of controversies involving Colonel Qureshi.
Q: What is her current rank in the Indian Army?
A: She holds the rank of Colonel in the Corps of Signals.
Q: Is she active on social media?
A: Colonel Qureshi maintains a low profile on social media platforms.
Conclusion
Colonel Sofia Qureshi’s career is a testament to dedication, leadership, and breaking barriers in the Indian Army. From leading international missions to modernizing military communications, her contributions have paved the way for greater inclusion and recognition of women in the armed forces. Her journey continues to inspire many aspiring officers and stands as a beacon of excellence and commitment to national service.