Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh hails the historic voyage as a symbol of Nari Shakti, Armed Forces unity, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s global vision
New Delhi, September 11, 2025 — Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) Shri Rajnath Singh virtually flagged off the historic Tri-Service All-Women Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. This is the first such expedition in the world, undertaken by 10 women officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force onboard the indigenous Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
The Raksha Mantri, addressing the event virtually from South Block, New Delhi, described the nine-month voyage as a glowing symbol of Nari Shakti, Armed Forces’ unity and jointness, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s global vision in military diplomacy.
Over the course of nine months, the crew will cover approximately 26,000 nautical miles, crossing the Equator twice and rounding the three great Capes — Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope. The sailors will navigate some of the world’s toughest waters, including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage, before returning to Mumbai in May 2026. The journey will include international port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada), and Cape Town (South Africa).
Shri Rajnath Singh termed the expedition “not just a voyage onboard a ship, but also a spiritual sadhana and a journey of discipline and willpower.” He expressed confidence that the crew’s determination would inspire the world and prove that the valour of Indian women knows no limits.
The Raksha Mantri also recalled the recent feat of Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Rupa A, who circumnavigated the globe onboard INSV Tarini in double-handed mode. He expressed confidence that IASV Triveni would set another global benchmark in maritime adventure.
The virtual flag-off was attended at South Block by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. At the Gateway of India, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, along with other senior officers, was present.
About the Crew
The 10-member team includes:
- Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, Expedition Leader
- Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju, Deputy Expedition Leader
- Major Karamjeet Kaur
- Major Omita Dalvi
- Captain Prajakta P. Nikam
- Captain Dauli Butola
- Lieutenant Commander Priyanka Gusain
- Wing Commander Vibha Singh
- Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev
- Squadron Leader Vaishali Bhandari
The crew has undergone three years of rigorous training, which included coastal voyages, offshore expeditions, and an international sailing mission from Mumbai to Seychelles and back earlier in 2025.
About the Vessel and Mission
IASV Triveni, a 50-foot Class-A yacht built indigenously in Puducherry, is an embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence innovation. The circumnavigation will adhere to strict World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) norms, requiring the crossing of all longitudes and completion of over 21,600 nautical miles under sail alone.
Apart from the voyage itself, the crew will conduct scientific research with the National Institute of Oceanography, focusing on micro-plastic pollution, marine biodiversity, and ocean health awareness.
Background
The tradition of circumnavigation voyages in India includes Captain Dilip Donde (Retd), who completed India’s first solo circumnavigation in 2009–10, and Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd), who became the first Indian to circumnavigate non-stop in 2012–13. The Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18) and Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25) by the Indian Navy on INSV Tarini have also been landmark expeditions.
With ‘Samudra Pradakshina,’ the Armed Forces have now created history with the world’s first Tri-Service All-Women Circumnavigation Expedition.
Source: Ministry of Defence
