Who is Col Sofia Quraishi? Top army officer leading ‘Operation Sindoor’ presser
Colonel Sofia Quraishi stands as a beacon of inspiration in the Indian Armed Forces, breaking barriers and setting precedents for women in military leadership. Her illustrious career, marked by pioneering achievements and unwavering dedication, has not only fortified India’s defense capabilities but also paved the way for greater gender inclusivity in the armed forces.
Born in 1981 in Vadodara, Gujarat, Sofia Quraishi hails from a family with a rich military heritage. Her grandfather served as a ‘religious teacher’ in the army, instilling in her a deep sense of patriotism and discipline from an early age. She pursued her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Master of Science in Biochemistry from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Despite her academic inclination towards science, her passion for serving the nation led her to the Indian Army.
Colonel Quraishi was commissioned into the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals in 1999. Her early years in service were marked by her technical acumen and leadership qualities, which set the foundation for her future accomplishments.
In 2016, she etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise. She commanded a 40-member team at ‘Exercise Force 18’, held in Pune, Maharashtra, under the ASEAN Plus framework, involving 18 nations. Her role as the only female contingent commander among all participating countries garnered widespread acclaim.
Colonel Quraishi further demonstrated her leadership prowess by commanding over 500 Indian troops in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) from 2016 to 2017. She was the first woman to lead an all-male Indian peacekeeping unit, contributing significantly to maintaining peace and facilitating humanitarian aid in the volatile North Kivu region.
Recognizing the evolving nature of warfare, Colonel Quraishi played a pivotal role in modernizing the Indian Army’s cyber capabilities. From 2017 to 2022, she served as the Deputy Director-General of India’s Cyber Defence Command, where she was instrumental in defining the military’s cyber doctrine, developing training programs, and leading threat detection initiatives. In 2022, she was promoted to Major General and took command of the Strategic Communications Division, overseeing the integration of electronic warfare and cyber operations.
Colonel Quraishi’s strategic acumen was prominently displayed during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in 2025. In response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, India launched a series of retaliatory strikes. Colonel Quraishi led a cyber-integrated rapid deployment unit along the western front, ensuring secure military communications and countering cyber-attacks on strategic systems. Her leadership was crucial in the successful execution of the operation. L
Colonel Quraishi’s exemplary service has been recognized with numerous awards, including:
Sena Medal (2025)
Vishisht Seva Medal (2019)
United Nations Peacekeeping Medal (2017)
COAS Commendation (2010)
GOC-in-C Eastern Command Commendation (2003)
Colonel Quraishi is married to Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, an officer in the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry. The couple has a son and continues to uphold a family tradition of military service. Her twin sister, Shyna Sunsara, is associated with the Bollywood industry, showcasing the diverse paths the siblings have taken.
Colonel Sofia Quraishi’s journey is emblematic of the evolving role of women in the Indian Armed Forces. Her trailblazing achievements have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also inspired a new generation of women to pursue careers in defense. Her contributions have been instrumental in influencing policy changes, including the permanent commission and National Defence Academy (NDA) entry for women.
Colonel Quraishi’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the nation. Her legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of the Indian Armed Forces.
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