India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has virtually flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, from the Gateway of India in Mumbai on 11 September 2025.
Ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will sail on the indigenously built 50-foot Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni over the next nine months, covering about 26,000 nautical miles across all major oceans.
Their route will include crossing the Equator twice, rounding the three great Capes—Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope—and braving the treacherous Southern Ocean and Drake Passage before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.
Calling the voyage a “glowing symbol of Nari Shakti,” Singh described it as both a test of endurance and a spiritual sadhana. He said the mission reflects the collective strength of the armed forces, India’s defence self-reliance, and its growing role in global military diplomacy.
The 10-member crew, led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar with Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju as deputy leader, has trained rigorously for three years, including offshore expeditions and an international voyage to Seychelles earlier this year.
Other members includes 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, and Squadron Leader Vaishali Bhandari.
The crew will also conduct oceanographic research in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography, focusing on micro-plastics, marine biodiversity, and ocean health.
The expedition will make port calls in Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada), and Cape Town (South Africa), showcasing India’s military strength, traditions and culture abroad.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs joined Singh for the virtual flag-off from South Block, while senior naval officials were present at the Mumbai ceremony.
Singh expressed confidence that Triveni would set “another global benchmark in maritime adventure,” following the feats of INSV Tarini, sailed by Indian women naval officers in earlier circumnavigation missions.
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