Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, the prominent military voice during the 2025 “Operation Sindoor,” has been conferred the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) in the 2026 Republic Day honours list.
President Droupadi Murmu approved the award on 25 January 2026, recognising the officer’s “distinguished service of a high order.”
Colonel Qureshi gained international recognition for her precise and stoic briefings following India’s calibrated strikes on terror infrastructure in May 2025.
Military analysts and government officials have praised the honour as a reflection of her strategic leadership and the growing prominence of women in high-stakes operational roles.
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi
Colonel Qureshi’s recognition follows a history of groundbreaking achievements within the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals. In 2016, she made history as the first woman to lead an Indian Army contingent in a multi-national military exercise, “Exercise Force 18,” which focused on humanitarian mine action.
Her extensive service includes a significant six-year tenure as a UN military observer in Congo and a critical role in signal intelligence during Operation Parakram in 2001.
Her career has been frequently cited in national dialogues as a prime example of professional excellence, contributing to landmark judicial shifts regarding the Permanent Commission for women officers in the armed forces.
Operation Sindoor
During the 2025 conflict triggered by the Pahalgam terror attack, Colonel Qureshi served as a primary spokesperson, working alongside Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
She was instrumental in maintaining public confidence by providing transparent, data-driven updates on the destruction of nine terror camps across the border.
A Ministry of Defence official stated that her expertise in electronic warfare and strategic communication was “vital in countering misinformation and ensuring operational integrity” during the five-day crisis.
Reflecting on the evolution of modern warfare, Colonel Qureshi has previously noted that battles today are increasingly won through “technological edge and information dominance.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s award is more than just a military decoration; it is a celebration of meritocracy and the changing face of Indian leadership. Her journey from Vadodara to the global stage serves as a powerful reminder that dedication and expertise transcend gender.
While Operation Sindoor was a moment of intense national security, the calm and precise leadership shown by officers like Colonel Qureshi fosters a sense of stability and trust. By honouring such trailblazers, we encourage a more inclusive future where every individual can serve the nation with pride.
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