In the history of the Indian Armed Forces, few names resonate with the dual brilliance of tactical expertise and strategic communication like that of Colonel Sofia Qureshi. A trailblazer in every sense, she has spent over two decades shattering glass ceilings within the male-dominated corridors of military leadership. As of January 2026, she stands as one of the most respected figures in the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, embodying the modern face of India’s national security apparatus.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi Biography / Wiki
| Full Name | Colonel Sofiya Qureshi |
| Born | 1974 |
| Birthplace | Vadodara, Gujarat, India |
| Allegiance | India (Indian Army) |
| Service Branch | Indian Army Corps of Signals |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Education | Post-graduate degree in Biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University |
| Spouse | Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi (married 2005) |
| Children | One son and one daughter |
| Notable Roles | Platoon Commander; UN Peacekeeping Mission (MONUC) in Congo; Senior Instructor, IMA; Led Indian contingent at Exercise Force 18 |
| Key Operations | Operation Parakram (2002); UN Peacekeeping Operations; Operation Sindoor (2025 media briefing) |
| Awards/Decorations | Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) (2026); Sena Medal (2025); UN Peacekeeping Medal (2017); COAS Commendation (2010); Chief of Army Staff Plaque of Honour (for Force 18) |
| Notable Firsts | First woman officer to lead an all-male Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise (Force 18, 2016); one of the first two woman officers to lead a joint services press briefing on a major military operation (Operation Sindoor, 2025) |
Early Life and Academic Excellence
Born on April 18, 1981, in the culturally rich city of Vadodara, Gujarat, Sofia Qureshi was raised in an environment that valued both education and discipline. Before donning the olive greens, she was a dedicated student of science. She attended the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, where she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biochemistry between 1992 and 1997.
Her transition from the laboratory to the battlefield was driven by a deep-seated familial legacy. As a third-generation soldier, the call of the uniform was in her DNA. Her grandfather and her father, Mohammad Qureshi, both served the nation, instilling in her the values of “Service Before Self” from a young age.
A Distinguised Military Career
Colonel Qureshi’s military journey began in 1999 when she was commissioned into the Corps of Signals from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai. The Corps of Signals is the “nerves” of the army, handling all military communications, and Sofia quickly proved her mettle in this technically demanding field.
The 2016 Milestone: Exercise Force 18
Sofia Qureshi etched her name in the history books in 2016. She became the first woman officer in the Indian Army to lead a contingent in a multinational military exercise. Known as Exercise Force 18, this was the largest ground forces exercise ever conducted on Indian soil, involving troops from 18 ASEAN-plus nations. Her leadership during this event wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a global statement about the evolving role of women in the Indian military.
International Peacekeeping and Strategic Briefings
Her expertise isn’t limited to Indian soil. In 2006, she served with distinction in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Fast forward to 2025, and Colonel Qureshi became a household name during Operation Sindoor. Alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the IAF and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, she served as the lead media briefer for the Indian Army. Her calm, precise, and authoritative delivery of information regarding retaliatory strikes on terror camps made her the “Voice of the Army,” demonstrating her immense strategic acumen.
Awards and National Recognition
The year 2026 has already marked a pinnacle in her career. On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the President of India conferred upon her the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). This award recognizes her “distinguished service of a high order,” particularly her role in modernizing signal communications during high-stakes border operations.
Her trophy cabinet also includes:
- Global Peace Gandhi Award (2019): For her exemplary work in international peacekeeping.
- Service Medals: Including the Special Service Medal, Operation Vijay Medal, and the Operation Parakram Medal.
- United Nations Medal: For her service in the Congo.
Personal Life: A Military Power Couple
Behind the uniform, Colonel Qureshi leads a life rooted in family and tradition. In 2015, she married Colonel Tajuddin Bagewadi, a distinguished officer in the Mechanised Infantry. Their union is often cited as a “military power couple,” successfully balancing the rigorous demands of two high-ranking army careers.
Sofia is part of a large, supportive family. She has five siblings, including a twin sister, Shaina Sunsara, who chose a vastly different path as a professional model. This contrast in careers highlights the diverse talents within the Qureshi family. Her in-laws hail from the Konnur village in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, where the couple is held in high esteem.
While the public often searches for details regarding her children, the Colonel has maintained a strict boundary regarding her son and daughter’s privacy, ensuring they grow up away from the intense glare of the national spotlight.
Salary and Compensation (2026 Estimates)
As a high-ranking officer under the 7th Pay Commission framework, Colonel Sofia Qureshi’s compensation reflects her seniority and the critical nature of her responsibilities.
| Component | Estimated Amount (Monthly/Annual) |
| Basic Pay | ₹1,30,600 – ₹2,15,900 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 |
| Allowances (DA, HRA, Field) | Variable (approx. ₹70,000+) |
| Total Annual CTC | ₹25 Lakh – ₹31 Lakh |
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