Sofia Qureshi - The Progress Catalyst

Trailblazer in the Indian Army

Colonel Sofia Qureshi is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army, renowned for her pioneering contributions to military communications and cyber warfare. Her leadership during critical operations and her role in modernising the Army's technological capabilities have made her a progress catalyst within the armed forces.

Sofia Qureshi

Nationality: Indian

Date of Birth: 1981

Hometown: Baroda, Gujarat

Parents: Taj Mohammed Qureshi

Spouse: Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi

Education: M Sc in Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science at M S University

Service Years: 1994-present

Rank: Colonel

Unit: Army Signal Corps

Commands: UN Peacekeeping Force (DRC), Indian Cyber Defence Command, Indian Rapid Deployment Unit 

Battles: 2025 India–Pakistan conflict

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Impact Maker Sofia Qureshi

Colonel Sofia Qureshi's early career was marked by her commissioning into the Army Signal Corps in 1994, where she served in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and North-East India. In 2001, she played a pivotal role in developing the Army’s first mobile digital communication network, significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Her leadership in modernising communication systems has had a lasting impact on the Army's capabilities.

Change Maker Sofia Qureshi

In 2016, Colonel Sofia Qureshi made history by becoming the first woman to lead an all-male Indian contingent in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her exemplary performance in maintaining peace in volatile regions and facilitating humanitarian aid showcased her exceptional leadership qualities. Her contributions have been instrumental in breaking gender barriers within the military.

Progress Catalyst Sofia Qureshi

Colonel Sofia Qureshi's tenure as Deputy Director-General of India’s Cyber Defence Command from 2017 to 2022 was marked by significant advancements in the Army's cyber capabilities. She was instrumental in defining India’s military cyber doctrine, developing cyber training ranges, and leading threat detection initiatives. Her efforts have been a progress catalyst in integrating cyber warfare into the Army's strategic operations.

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Achievements

• Developed the Army’s first mobile digital communication network in 2001.

• Led over 500 Indian troops in a UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2016.

• Served as Deputy Director-General of India’s Cyber Defence Command, leading significant advancements in cyber warfare capabilities.

• Co-led the media briefing for Operation Sindoor in 2025, highlighting the role of women in military leadership.

Awards & Recognitions

• Special Service Medal

• Operation Vijay Medal

• Operation Parakram Medal

• Sainya Seva Medal

• Videsh Seva Medal

• 75th Independence Anniversary Medal

• 20 Years Long Service Medal

• 9 Years Long Service Medal

• United Nations Medal

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Media References

1. Hindustan Times – Who is Col. Sofia Qureshi?

2. India Today – Colonel Sofia Qureshi's in-laws in Karnataka celebrate her role in Operation Sindoor

3. Times of India – Who is Colonel Sofia Qureshi? Indian Army officer who briefed the world on Operation Sindoor

4. NDTV – Supreme Court praised Colonel Sofia Qureshi who co-led Operation Sindoor briefing

5. Wikipedia – Profile: Sofia Qureshi

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