Colonel Sophia Qureshi is an officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals who recently gained prominence for briefing the media on Operation Sindoor. This operation was India's response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam where 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen were killed.

While specific details about Colonel Qureshi's early life and career remain limited in the current news reports, it is clear that she is a decorated officer with a distinguished record. She has commanded an Indian Army contingent in a multinational military exercise, showcasing her leadership and operational capabilities on an international stage.

Colonel Qureshi's role in the Operation Sindoor briefing highlights the increasing visibility and importance of women in the Indian Armed Forces. Along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, she presented details of the operation to the media, demonstrating the Army's commitment to honoring the victims and ending terrorism. The operation involved precision strikes targeting nine key terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Colonel Qureshi confirmed that these strikes were aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure and that no military installations were targeted, ensuring minimal collateral damage and no civilian casualties. She emphasized that the targets were selected to break the backbone of terrorism and deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. One of the terror camps destroyed was reportedly used to train terrorists involved in the infamous attacks of Ajmal Kasab and David Headley.

The Indian Army has been taking steps to increase the number of women officers and expand their roles. As of early 2025, there were over 1,700 women officers in the Army, with plans to increase the number to over 2,000 in the near future. Women officers are now serving in various branches, including the Regiment of Artillery and Army Aviation. While they are still not allowed in the main fighting arms of infantry, armored corps, and mechanized infantry, women officers have begun commanding units in air defense, signals, ordnance, engineers, intelligence, and service corps. The Army is also working to recruit women as ordinary soldiers and is seeking legal changes to allow for this.

The selection of Colonel Qureshi to brief the media on Operation Sindoor reflects the Indian Army's recognition of the capabilities and contributions of its women officers. Her presence, along with Wing Commander Singh, at such a high-profile event sends a strong message about gender equality and the changing dynamics within the armed forces.