Col Sophia Quareshi trends on Twitter after Operation Sindoor briefing; here¡¯s how women can join Indian Army

When the Indian Armed Forces briefed the nation on its largest cross-border strike since Balakot, Operation Sindoor, it was not just the precision of the operation that caught attention. It was who led the press briefing that made headlines: Colonel Sophia Qureshi, a Muslim woman officer, standing tall, proud and resolute.

Sophia Qureshi¡¯s briefing about the Operation Sindoor

In a moment brimming with symbolism, Colonel Qureshi, an officer from the Corps of Signals, spoke alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh on the mission that targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam attack. For millions watching, it was more than a military update. It was a reminder that India does not just talk about inclusion¡ªit lives it.

2 women officers at #OperationSindoor Briefing
1 Hindu (Wg Cdr Vyomika Singh, Indian Airforce)
1 Muslim (Col Sophia Qureshi, Indian Army)
You cannot divide us, you cannot break us.
Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/8tqm74uxHZ

¡ª Aishwarya Paliwal (@AishPaliwal) May 7, 2025

In a time when some voices across the border claim that Muslims and minorities are unsafe in India, Colonel Qureshi¡¯s leadership stood as a powerful counter-narrative. Not only is she thriving in one of India¡¯s most disciplined institutions, but she is also leading and representing the country at its most critical junctures.

We are proud of you col sofia Qureshi

Jai Hind ?? pic.twitter.com/kW6x1dd7Ld

¡ª Go jammu and kashmir (@GoJammukashmir) May 7, 2025

Commissioned in 1999 through the Officers Training Academy, Colonel Qureshi comes from a proud military family. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, and her father was once a religious teacher in the forces. She made history in 2016 as the first Indian woman officer to lead an army training contingent at the ASEAN Plus military exercises.

But her story is not just history, it is inspiration. For young Indian girls, especially those from minority communities, her presence on that stage proved that the path to leadership is open, possible, and respected.

Brilliant move to bring Lady officers to brief media about Indian airstrikes in Pakistan. Note her name: Col Sofiya Qureshi.
Repeating: Brilliant Move pic.twitter.com/lIquzBEw7S

¡ª Tarun (@tarun33) May 7, 2025

How can women join the Indian Army?

Aspiring women can apply through entries like Short Service Commission (Non-Technical) via UPSC, or for technical roles through direct entries. There are also avenues through NCC Special Entry, and JAG Branch (Law). Women officers serve in combat support arms, technical corps, legal divisions, and even frontline roles.

Colonel Qureshi¡¯s role today was more than operational, it was generational. She showed that service to the nation transcends religion and gender. And in doing so, she did not just brief India, she inspired it.