Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday flagged in ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the country’s first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, marking the successful completion of a 314-day voyage covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.
The expedition, undertaken aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, saw nine women officers from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force return to Mumbai after completing the historic journey. The mission had been virtually flagged off by the Defence Minister from Mumbai on September 11, 2025.
Addressing the event through video conferencing, Rajnath Singh described the expedition as a symbol of Nari Shakti, Tri-Service integration and the spirit of a “New India” that overcomes challenges to create history.
He said the successful voyage reflected the courage, determination and professionalism of the women officers, adding that it demonstrated the strength of coordination among the three armed services. “Ocean waves may rise high, but the spirit of India’s daughters soars higher,” he said.
The expedition fulfilled all internationally recognised requirements for a global circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, crossing the International Date Line, and rounding the Three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
The crew also successfully navigated the challenging Drake Passage and rounded Cape Horn, earning membership of the prestigious Cape Horners fraternity, an honour reserved for sailors who complete one of the world’s most demanding maritime passages.
The Defence Minister said the mission highlighted the importance of Tri-Service jointness, with officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force living, training and sailing together for over ten months. He noted that the expedition demonstrated how coordination and interoperability enhance operational capability and national strength.
Beyond its maritime achievement, Rajnath Singh said ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ also served as an instrument of military diplomacy. During port calls across several countries, IASV Triveni showcased India’s maritime traditions, cultural heritage and military professionalism, strengthening goodwill and reinforcing the country’s soft power.
Describing IASV Triveni as a symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Defence Minister said the indigenously built 50-foot sailing vessel reflected India’s engineering excellence, technological capability and strategic confidence.
The expedition was supported by nearly two years of intensive training, meticulous planning, a round-the-clock shore-based support network and the coordinated efforts of multiple organisations.
Senior defence officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan (if using only PIB, avoid replacing names—keep as provided), Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, and defence representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa attended the flag-in ceremony in New Delhi. Military dignitaries, veterans and families of the crew also welcomed the expedition team at Mumbai’s Gateway of India.
The successful completion of ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ marks a significant milestone for India’s armed forces, highlighting women’s growing role in operational leadership, strengthening Tri-Service cooperation and showcasing India’s maritime capabilities on the global stage.
