Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who emerged as a key public face of India’s military operations during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-based terror targets in 2025, has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal as part of the 2026 Republic Day honours.
The decoration, given for distinguished service of a high order, was approved by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day. Colonel Qureshi’s recognition adds to her long list of operational and leadership achievements in the Indian Army.
In total, the President approved gallantry awards for 70 armed forces personnel, including six posthumous honours, along with 301 military decorations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The awards include Param Vishisht Seva Medals, Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, Yudh Seva Medals, and Vishisht Seva Medals among others.
Role in Operation Sindoor
Colonel Qureshi became a familiar face during Operation Sindoor when she addressed the media following official briefings by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Alongside Indian Air Force officer Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, she outlined details of the precision strikes carried out against terrorist infrastructure.
Her calm and precise communication during the briefings was widely noted, marking a rare instance of two senior women officers jointly representing the armed forces during a high-profile military operation.
Career milestones and leadership roles
In 2016, Colonel Qureshi made history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military exercise. At Exercise Force 18, which involved ASEAN-Plus nations, she headed a 40-member team focused on humanitarian mine action.
Born in 1974 in Vadodara, Gujarat, to a family with a military background, Colonel Qureshi completed her postgraduate studies in biochemistry from Maharaja Sayajirao University in 1997 before joining the armed forces. She received her commission from the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, where she was recognised for her aptitude in tactical planning and signal intelligence.
Operational experience in India and abroad
Colonel Qureshi has played key roles in several major operations. During Operation Parakram, launched after the 2001 Parliament attack, she served along the Punjab border and received a Commendation Card from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief for exemplary service.
Her leadership was also acknowledged during flood relief operations in northeast India, where she managed critical communication networks under challenging conditions. Additionally, she served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Congo for six years beginning in 2006, contributing to international peacekeeping efforts.
Reflecting on her overseas service, she has said that working to restore peace in conflict zones remains one of the proudest moments of her career.