Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today felicitated the nine women officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force who successfully completed the country’s first-ever all-women Tri-Service circumnavigation sailing expedition, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, onboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
Interacting with the crew in New Delhi, the Defence Minister hailed the expedition as a landmark achievement that reflects the spirit of Nari Shakti and exemplifies growing Tri-Service jointness. The 314-day voyage covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans, making it one of the longest and most challenging sailing expeditions undertaken by an all-women military crew.
The officers shared their experiences of overcoming demanding physical and mental challenges during the mission, attributing their success to teamwork, discipline and an unwavering commitment to the nation. Rajnath Singh said their achievement demonstrated that determination and conviction can overcome any obstacle and would inspire future generations.
Describing the officers’ capability and confidence as exceptional, the Defence Minister said the expedition had shattered stereotypes surrounding women’s ability to undertake demanding military missions. He noted that the successful voyage reaffirmed that leadership, resilience and operational excellence are defined by skill and commitment rather than gender.
Highlighting the significance of the mission, Rajnath Singh said Samudra Pradakshina was a powerful example of Tri-Service integration, with officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force sailing together under a common mission. He also commended the crew for showcasing India’s indigenous capabilities, engineering excellence and technological advancements during port calls in several countries, strengthening India’s global maritime outreach and defence diplomacy.
The expedition was virtually flagged in by the Defence Minister in Mumbai on July 22, while he had flagged off the mission through video conferencing on September 11, 2025.
The mission successfully met all internationally recognised criteria for a circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, traversing the International Date Line and rounding the three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope.
The crew also navigated the notoriously difficult Drake Passage and rounded Cape Horn, earning membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, a distinction reserved for sailors who successfully conquer one of the world’s toughest maritime routes.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the expedition was supported by nearly two years of intensive training, meticulous operational planning and round-the-clock shore-based assistance. Beyond its maritime accomplishment, Samudra Pradakshina also strengthened India’s defence diplomacy by showcasing the country’s maritime traditions, military professionalism and cultural heritage during international port visits.
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 military officers attended the felicitation ceremony.
