Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday felicitated nine women officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force who successfully completed the first-ever Tri-services all-women global circumnavigation sailing expedition, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
Interacting with the officers in New Delhi, Singh lauded the crew for completing the 314-day voyage covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. He described the expedition as a symbol of “Nari Shakti” and an outstanding example of tri-service jointness and synergy that would inspire the nation.
The officers shared their experiences of the demanding expedition, saying the challenging voyage was both memorable and rewarding. They said their determination to make the nation proud enabled them to overcome immense physical and mental challenges throughout the mission.
Describing the team’s capability and confidence as “incredible”, the Defence Minister said the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina had shattered stereotypes about women undertaking demanding military missions.
“You have proven that physical capability, mental toughness and leadership qualities are not bound by gender. Every daughter in India can look at you and believe that she, too, can cross oceans and conquer the world,” Singh told the officers.
Highlighting the expedition as a model of tri-service integration, Singh said officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force sailed together under one flag in pursuit of a common mission.
“The expedition is a testament to the fact that no horizon is too vast to conquer if we move forward together,” he said.
The Defence Minister also commended the crew for showcasing India’s engineering excellence, indigenous capabilities and technological advancements during port calls across several countries.
“You conveyed a message to the world that India is second to none in any field,” he said.
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 and other senior officers of the three Services attended the interaction.
The IASV Triveni crew was virtually flagged in by the Defence Minister in Mumbai on July 22, 2026. Singh had also officiated the flag-off ceremony via video conferencing on September 11, 2025.
The mission was completed following nearly two years of intensive training, meticulous planning, continuous shore-based support and the coordinated efforts of multiple organisations and support agencies.
The expedition fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria 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 fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour reserved for sailors who complete one of the world’s most demanding maritime passages.
Beyond its maritime achievement, Samudra Pradakshina also served as an exercise in military diplomacy. During port calls across the globe, IASV Triveni showcased India’s cultural heritage, maritime traditions, military professionalism and national values while strengthening goodwill and defence ties with friendly countries.
