By News Desk 
In a bold move to avenge the Pahalgam attack, India launched strikes on 9 key locations in Pakistan, sending a strong message and putting an end to Pakistan’s audacity. The Indian Army announced the operation through a press conference, where Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi shared details about Operation Sindoor. Also present were women officer Vyomika and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
This press conference, led by two female officers, underscored the message of women empowerment to the world. Amidst this, Colonel Sophia Qureshi has become the center of attention. Let’s take a closer look at who she is.
Who is Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi?
Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi is a name synonymous with determination, hard work, and leadership in the Indian Army. She rose to prominence when she had the honor of representing India in a multinational military drill with 18 countries under Exercise Force 18. At that time, she was the only woman commanding a country’s military contingent, leading a team of 40 soldiers from India.
Background: Hailing from Gujarat
Hailing from Gujarat, Sophia Qureshi holds a postgraduate degree in biochemistry, which reflects her ability to balance academics and military training effectively. She is a part of the Signal Corps, which is responsible for managing communication and information systems in the army.
In 2006, she was deployed as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Congo, and for over six years, she has played a key role in peace missions. She was selected for the Peacekeeping Training Group, which offers excellent training for international missions.
A Military Legacy: From Grandfather to Husband
Sophia’s association with the military runs deep, as she comes from a military family. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, and her husband is an officer in the Mechanized Infantry. Her father also served in the Army for a brief period. Inspired by this strong military background, Sophia dreamt of becoming a soldier from a young age. In 1999, she was commissioned into the Indian Army through the Officers Training Academy (OTA).
Leadership in International Military Exercises
Sophia has actively participated in military exercises with various countries. One notable event was in March 2016, when she led a 40-member Indian Army contingent at Exercise Force 18 in Pune. The exercise saw participation from 18 ASEAN+ countries, including China, the United States, Russia, Japan, and South Korea.
During this exercise, Colonel Qureshi played a significant role, training soldiers in mine removal for peace missions and humanitarian assistance.