Defence Minister Flags Off First-Ever Tri-Service All-Women Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition ‘Samudra Pradakshina’
The nine-month voyage, undertaken by 10 women officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, will cover approximately 26,000 nautical miles onboard the indigenous Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni.
Mumbai/New Delhi, September 11: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday virtually flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, the world’s first Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The nine-month voyage, undertaken by 10 women officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force, will cover approximately 26,000 nautical miles onboard the indigenous Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni.
Calling the expedition a “glowing symbol of Nari Shakti, Armed Forces unity, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s global vision,” Singh said the mission represents not only a maritime challenge but also a “spiritual sadhana” and a test of discipline and willpower. “Our officers may face numerous challenges, but their flame of determination will pierce through the darkness,” he said, expressing confidence that the crew would return safely after proving Indian women’s valour on the high seas.
Over the course of the journey, the team will cross the Equator twice, round the three great Capes—Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope—and navigate some of the world’s most treacherous waters, including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage. Four international port calls are planned at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada) and Cape Town (South Africa), underscoring the vessel’s role as both an endurance platform and a tool of military diplomacy.
The 50-foot Triveni, built in Puducherry, has been described as an embodiment of India’s defence self-reliance. The crew, led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar and Deputy Leader Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju, includes officers from all three services who have undergone three years of rigorous training, including international voyages to validate their seamanship.
The expedition, which will adhere to strict norms set by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, is expected to conclude in Mumbai in May 2026. Alongside testing their endurance, the crew will also conduct scientific research with the National Institute of Oceanography on microplastics and marine health.
The flag-off ceremony in New Delhi was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, while senior naval officials gathered at the Gateway of India to see the vessel depart.
With Samudra Pradakshina, India adds a new chapter to its growing legacy of circumnavigation expeditions, joining earlier feats such as Navika Sagar Parikrama and the solo voyages of Capt. Dilip Donde and Cdr. Abhilash Tomy.
