Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday flagged-off a historic Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition Samudra Pradakshina, the first ever in the world, from the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
In his address from South Block, he described the voyage as a glowing symbol of Nari Shakti, the collective strength, unity and jointness of the three Services, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and its military diplomacy and global vision.
Over the next nine months, 10 women officers will sail onboard the indigenously-built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on an easterly route covering approximately 26,000 nautical miles.
They will cross the Equator twice, round the three great Capes – Leeuwin, Horn & Good Hope – covering all major oceans and some of the most dangerous waters, including the Southern Ocean & the Drake Passage. The team will also make four international port calls before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.
Singh termed Samudra Pradakshina as not only a voyage onboard a ship, but also a spiritual sadhana and a journey of discipline & willpower.
“During the expedition, our officers may face numerous challenges, but their flame of determination will pierce through the darkness. They will return home safely, showing the world that the valour of Indian women is beyond any limits,” he added.
Dubbing IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht indigenously-built in Puducherry, as an embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he asserted that the vessel reflects India’s confidence in defence innovation and technology. Every nautical mile of IASV Triveni is a journey towards India’s strategic autonomy and self-reliance, he added.
On the port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada) and Cape Town (South Africa), Singh stated that the team’s interactions will be an introduction to the strength of the Armed Forces to the world, along with Indian culture, tradition and values. IASV Triveni is not only a vessel of endurance, but also a vessel of diplomacy, he said.
