Defence Minister Felicitates India’s First All-Women Tri-Services Global Sailing Team
‘Samudra Pradakshina’ Expedition Showcases Nari Shakti, Military Synergy and India’s Maritime Excellence
By Antara Tripathy
Editor, IBG NEWS
New Delhi, July 30: India’s defence history witnessed another landmark moment as Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh felicitated the nine women officers who successfully completed the country’s first-ever all-women Tri-Services circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
During a special interaction in New Delhi, the Defence Minister congratulated the officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force for completing the extraordinary 314-day voyage, covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. He described the expedition as a remarkable symbol of Nari Shakti and a shining example of Tri-Service jointness, saying it would inspire generations of Indians to pursue excellence through courage, discipline, and teamwork.
A Historic Maritime Achievement
The expedition marks a milestone in India’s military and maritime history. Over the course of 314 days, the all-women crew successfully completed a globally recognized circumnavigation of the Earth, meeting every international criterion required for such an expedition.
The team:
- Crossed every line of longitude.
- Crossed the Equator twice.
- Traversed the International Date Line.
- Rounded the world’s three great capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
One of the expedition’s most significant achievements was its successful passage through the treacherous Drake Passage and around Cape Horn, one of the most demanding sea routes in the world. This accomplishment earned every crew member membership in the prestigious international fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour reserved for sailors who successfully navigate one of the planet’s toughest maritime passages.
Courage Beyond Challenges
Sharing their experiences with the Raksha Mantri, the women officers described the voyage as both physically demanding and mentally challenging. They recalled facing extreme weather conditions, long periods at sea, and countless operational challenges while remaining committed to their mission.
The officers said their determination to make India proud kept them motivated throughout the expedition, enabling them to overcome every obstacle.
Responding to their experiences, Shri Rajnath Singh remarked that their unwavering dedication had inspired him personally and reaffirmed his belief that determination and conviction can overcome even the most difficult challenges.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes
The Defence Minister emphasized that the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina has shattered long-standing stereotypes regarding women’s ability to undertake demanding military missions.
“You have demonstrated that physical capability, mental resilience, and leadership are not defined by gender,” he told the officers.
He added that every young girl in India can now look at these officers and believe that she too can overcome barriers, cross oceans, and achieve extraordinary success.
A Model of Tri-Service Integration
Rajnath Singh described the expedition as one of the finest examples of joint operational synergy among India’s three armed forces.
For the first time, women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force sailed together under one national flag, working as a unified team toward a common objective.
According to the Defence Minister, the mission illustrates how cooperation among the three Services strengthens India’s defence preparedness while reinforcing the spirit of national unity.
Showcasing India’s Indigenous Capabilities
Beyond its maritime significance, the expedition also highlighted India’s engineering capability and indigenous technological strength.
During port visits across several countries, IASV Triveni showcased India’s maritime heritage, military professionalism, technological advancements, and cultural traditions to international audiences.
The Defence Minister noted that the expedition sent a powerful message to the world that India is capable of achieving excellence across every domain.
Two Years of Preparation Behind the Success
The successful completion of the mission was the result of meticulous planning and sustained preparation.
The expedition followed nearly two years of intensive training, supported by a dedicated 24×7 shore-based operational support system involving multiple defence organisations and technical agencies.
This comprehensive preparation ensured that the crew remained operationally ready throughout the challenging global voyage.
A Milestone in Defence Diplomacy
Apart from being a remarkable sailing achievement, Samudra Pradakshina also served as an important platform for military diplomacy.
At every international port of call, the crew promoted India’s maritime traditions, cultural heritage, professional military standards, and commitment to peaceful international engagement.
The voyage strengthened goodwill with friendly nations while enhancing India’s image as a responsible maritime power.
Senior Defence Leadership Present
The felicitation ceremony was attended by several senior defence officials, including:
- Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth
- Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
- Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
- Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar
- Senior officers from all three Services.
The expedition had earlier been virtually flagged in by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh in Mumbai on 22 July 2026, while the flag-off ceremony had taken place on 11 September 2025 through video conferencing.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina is far more than a record-setting sailing expedition. It represents India’s growing commitment to women-led leadership, operational excellence, and integrated defence capabilities.
By successfully navigating some of the world’s most challenging waters, the nine women officers have demonstrated that courage, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance transcend gender.
Their historic voyage aboard IASV Triveni will remain a lasting symbol of Nari Shakti, military professionalism, and India’s expanding maritime capabilities—serving as an inspiration for future generations of young Indians to dream bigger, aim higher, and serve the nation with determination.
— IBG NEWS
