Service, Strength, Recognition: Vishisht Seva Medal Conferred to Colonel Sofiya Qureshi

Republic Day 2026 brought with it a moment of collective pride as Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army was honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), one of the country’s most respected peacetime military decorations. Announced as part of the annual Republic Day honours and conferred by the President of India, the award recognised her distinguished and exemplary service during Operation Sindoor, a crucial counter-terror operation conducted in 2025. Her recognition resonated deeply with citizens across the country, not only because of the operation’s importance, but also because Colonel Qureshi represented a new, confident face of India’s Armed Forces: professional, composed, and inclusive.What the Vishisht Seva Medal Stands ForThe Vishisht Seva Medal is awarded for “distinguished service of a high order” and holds immense value within the Armed Forces. Unlike gallantry awards given for battlefield bravery, the VSM recognises sustained, exceptional service, often involving strategic decision-making, leadership under pressure, and contributions that have a long-term impact on national security. It is awarded sparingly, reflecting the high standards expected of its recipients.Colonel Qureshi received the medal for her pivotal role during Operation Sindoor, launched after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir shook the nation in 2025. The operation involved coordinated military action and demanded extreme sensitivity, both operationally and diplomatically. Colonel Qureshi was entrusted with one of the most critical responsibilities: communicating the Armed Forces’ actions and intent to the nation and the world. Her briefings ensured transparency without compromising security, helping counter misinformation while reinforcing public confidence in India’s defence preparedness.A Career Rooted in Excellence and Many FirstsCommissioned into the Corps of Signals in 1999, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi has served the Indian Army for over two decades with distinction. With a strong academic background in science, she specialised in military communication systems, an area vital to modern warfare and coordinated defence operations. Over the years, she has held diverse operational and leadership roles, including counter-insurgency deployments and strategic planning assignments.Her career also includes international service. As part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she worked on ceasefire monitoring and civilian protection, reflecting India’s contribution to global peacekeeping efforts. In 2016, she etched her name in history by becoming the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a major multinational military exercise involving several countries. That moment was widely seen as a breakthrough for women in uniform and a testament to her leadership capabilities.Operation Sindoor and a Legacy Beyond MedalsDuring Operation Sindoor, Colonel Qureshi emerged as one of the most trusted voices of the Indian Armed Forces. At a time of heightened national emotion and international scrutiny, she delivered briefings with remarkable clarity, balance, and authority. Her calm demeanor and command over detail reassured citizens and projected India’s stance with dignity and confidence.The Vishisht Seva Medal now adds to her legacy, but her impact goes far beyond an honour. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stands as an inspiration for young Indians, especially women, who aspire to serve the nation in uniform.  As India celebrated its Republic, her story reminds us that the nation’s strength lies not just in its might, but in the integrity and dedication of those who serve it.