In a landmark moment for India’s Armed Forces, ten women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force embarked on a historic global circumnavigation mission, named Samudra Pradakshina, aboard the indigenously built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. The expedition was virtually flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from New Delhi, marking the first-ever tri-service all-women sailing voyage to cover approximately 26,000 nautical miles over nine months.
The team, comprising five Army officers, one Navy officer, and four Air Force officers, set sail from Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, the crew includes Lieutenant Colonel Karamjeet Kaur, Major Tanya Goyal, Captain Omita Chauhan, Captain Dauli Semwal, Captain Prajakta Koli, Lieutenant Commander Priyanka B. Shirke, Squadron Leader Vibha Yadav, Squadron Leader Shradhha Shukla, Squadron Leader Aruvi Gautam, and Squadron Leader Vaishali Tomar. This mission symbolizes Nari Shakti (women’s power), the unity of India’s armed forces, and the nation’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
The IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht constructed in Puducherry, is equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems. Having already logged 10,000 nautical miles during training, the vessel is primed for this challenging journey. The expedition will navigate some of the world’s toughest waters, including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage, crossing the Equator twice and rounding the three great capes: Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (Chile), and the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa).
The crew underwent three years of rigorous training at the Heavy Bridging Training Camp (HBTC) in Marve, Mumbai, mastering skills such as navigation, communication, scuba diving, basic medical care, first aid, and advanced blue-water sailing. Their preparation included a successful international voyage to Seychelles earlier this year, demonstrating their readiness for this global odyssey.
The expedition includes four scheduled port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Cape Town (South Africa), where the officers will engage in defence diplomacy, showcasing India’s military strength and cultural heritage. The team will also collaborate with the National Institute of Oceanography to study microplastics and document ocean biodiversity, contributing to marine science and environmental awareness.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the voyage as “a spiritual sadhana and a journey of discipline and willpower,” emphasizing that the officers’ determination will “pierce through the darkness” of challenges like massive swells, freezing winds, and unpredictable storms. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh were present at the virtual flag-off, underscoring the mission’s significance.
The Samudra Pradakshina expedition follows the legacy of previous Indian naval circumnavigations, such as Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017-18) and Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024-25). Scheduled to return to Mumbai in May 2026, this mission not only tests the crew’s seamanship and endurance but also stands as a powerful testament to the growing role of women in India’s armed forces, inspiring future generations to push boundaries.
