Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today flagged in ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the country’s first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, marking the successful completion of a 314-day global voyage by nine women officers of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
The officers, sailing aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, returned to Mumbai after covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. The expedition had been virtually flagged off by the Defence Minister from Mumbai on September 11, 2025.
Addressing the crew through video conferencing, Singh described the successful completion of the mission as a testament to India’s Nari Shakti, a symbol of the nation’s resolve and an example of Tri-Service jointness. He said the expedition reflected the spirit of a “New India” that overcomes challenges and creates history.
The mission was supported by nearly two years of intensive training, meticulous planning, a round-the-clock shore-based support network and the co-ordinated efforts of multiple organisations. During the voyage, the crew fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for 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 successful passage through the Drake Passage and rounding of Cape Horn also earned the crew membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour reserved for sailors who navigate one of the world’s most challenging maritime routes.
Commending the courage and determination of the crew, the Defence Minister said the expedition had demonstrated that human courage is greater than any storm.
“Ocean waves may rise high, but the spirit of India’s daughters soars higher,” he said, adding that women in the country are increasingly leading from the front and creating new milestones.
Highlighting the significance of joint operations, Singh said the expedition showcased the strength of integrated planning, seamless interoperability and shared leadership among the three Services. Living, training and sailing together for over ten months, the crew functioned as a single cohesive team, demonstrating that jointness is a force multiplier that enhances operational effectiveness.
He said Samudra Pradakshina would be remembered not only as a landmark maritime expedition but also as a powerful symbol of unity among the armed forces.
“At a time when the world is discussing joint operations, integrated commands and multi-domain warfare, IASV Triveni has demonstrated the importance of jointness. Capability multiplies when there is coordination. Victory paves its own path when the three forces march together,” he said.
Beyond its maritime achievements, the expedition also served as an instrument of military diplomacy. During port calls across several countries, the crew showcased India’s maritime traditions, cultural heritage and military professionalism while strengthening goodwill with friendly nations.
The Defence Minister also described IASV Triveni as an embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, noting that the indigenously built 50-foot sailing vessel reflected India’s engineering capability, innovation and strategic confidence.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan’s successor General NS Raja Subramani, 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, Director General Integrated Training Lieutenant General Ajay Ramdev and defence delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa attended the virtual flag-in ceremony from Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi.
At Mumbai’s Gateway of India, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command Air Marshal P.V. Shivanand, Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Vipul Singhal, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Rahul Vilas Gokhale, along with senior military officials, veterans and the crew’s families, welcomed the expedition on its return.
