New Delhi, Sept 11 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today virtually flagged off a historic tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition Samudra Pradakshina, the first ever in the world, from the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Addressing the expedition from South Block here, Rajnath described the voyage as a glowing symbol of Nari Shakti, collective strength, unity and jointness of the three Services, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and its military diplomacy and global vision, a Defence Ministry statement said.
Over the next nine months, 10 women officers will sail onboard the indigenously-built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on an easterly route covering approximately 26,000 nautical miles. They will cross the Equator twice, round the three great Capes — Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope — covering all major oceans and some of the most dangerous waters, including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage.
The team will also make four international port calls before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.
The Defence Minister termed Samudra Pradakshina as not only a voyage onboard a ship, but also a spiritual “sadhana and a journey of discipline and willpower”.
“During the expedition, our officers may face numerous challenges, but their flame of determination will pierce through the darkness. They will return home safely, showing the world that the valour of Indian women is beyond any limits,” he said.
He recalled the recent extraordinary feat achieved by two Indian women Navy officers – Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Rupa A – who successfully circumnavigated the globe onboard another indigenous vessel INS Tarini in double-handed mode, overcoming a number of challenges with courage and dedication.
He exuded confidence that IASV Triveni will set another global benchmark in maritime adventure, writing another golden chapter in India’s maritime journey.
Rajnath described the tri-service expedition as a shining example of the government’s commitment towards jointness among the three Services. “We believe that when there is a feeling of jointness among the Armed Forces, even the biggest challenge seems small,” he said.
Dubbing IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht indigenously-built in Puducherry, as an embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Defence Minister asserted that the vessel reflects India’s confidence in defence innovation and technology. Every nautical mile of IASV Triveni is a journey towards India’s strategic autonomy and self-reliance.
On the port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada) and Cape Town (South Africa), Rajnath stated that the team’s interactions will be an introduction to the strength of the Armed Forces to the world, along with Indian culture, tradition and values. IASV Triveni is not only a vessel of endurance, but also a vessel of diplomacy.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) 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 were also present during the virtual flag-off. Moreover, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and other senior officials were present at Gateway of India.
The 10-member crew includes expedition leader Lt Col Anuja Varudkar, deputy expedition leader Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju along with Major Karamjeet Kaur, Major Omita Dalvi, Captain Prajakta P Nikam, Captain Dauli Butola, Lt Commander Priyanka Gusain, Wing Commander Vibha Singh, Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev and Squadron Leader Vaishali Bhandari.
During the expedition, the team will also carry out scientific research in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography.
