Indian Army officer Colonel Sophia Qureshi will be awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) on Republic Day 2026. This award is being given for his special service, especially his role in explaining the objectives of Operation Sindoor to the world after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. After the Pahalgam terror attack, when rumors were being spread about Operation Sindoor launched by India to destroy terrorist hideouts in Pakistan, the command was given to Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Army and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Air Force.
Both women military officers had exposed the lies of Pakistan and informed the world about the purpose of Operation Sindoor. Colonel Sophia Qureshi first came into limelight when she led the Indian contingent in a multinational military exercise. Then she became the first woman officer of the army to do so. This exercise was named Exercise Force 18, which was the largest foreign military exercise conducted by India at that time. She was the only woman officer among the 18 contingents participating in the exercise.
Who is Colonel Sofia Qureshi?
Lieutenant Colonel Sophia Qureshi is the first woman officer of the Indian Army to lead an Indian military contingent in an international military exercise. Colonel Sophia Qureshi, resident of Vadodara, Gujarat, was born in the year 1981. Sofia Qureshi was born and brought up in Vadodara city of Gujarat. His father’s name is Tajuddin Qureshi and mother’s name is Hanima Qureshi. Both his grandfather and father served in the Indian Army. This is the reason why army discipline and the spirit of national service remained in Sophia’s blood.
Sophia completed her BSc and then MSc (Biochemistry) from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara. His initial dream was to become a professor. She started teaching at the university as an assistant lecturer while simultaneously pursuing her PhD.
Army In go Of Decision
When Sophia got a chance to get selected in the Indian Army through Short Service Commission (SSC), she left her PhD and teaching career. In the year 1999, she was commissioned into the Army’s Corps of Signals. Her decision inspired not only her family but also young women across the country.
Army In Service And historical achievements
- Sophia Qureshi got the opportunity to perform many important responsibilities in the army.
- In the year 2006, he served for six years in Congo under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (UN Peacekeeping Operations). There, along with the Multinational Army, he played an important role in the work related to the safety of women and children.
- In 2016 she became the first woman officer to lead an Indian military contingent in the multinational military exercise named Force 18. 18 countries participated in this exercise which included India, Japan, China, Russia, America, Korea, Australia etc.
- The exercise was conducted in Pune between 2 and 8 March 2016 and Sophia was the only woman to command the Indian contingent in that exercise.
