In May 2025, Lt Commander Dilna K and Lt Commander Roopa Alagirisamy made history by completing Navika Sagar Parikrama II, India’s second all-women global circumnavigation. Their 239-day voyage aboard INSV Tarini covered 25,400 nautical miles, crossing four continents, three oceans, and three Great Capes, making them the first Indian duo to circumnavigate the globe in double-handed mode.
This historic achievement symbolizes women empowerment, maritime excellence, and India’s growing global naval prominence.
Early Life & Personal Backgrounds
Lt Commander Dilna K: From Kerala to the World
Hailing from Parambil Kadavu, Kozhikode, Kerala, Dilna K was inspired by her father, an Army officer, and her mother, Reeja. From a young age, she demonstrated courage and determination: climbing trees, drawing water from wells daily, and excelling in national-level rifle shooting through NCC.
Commissioned in June 2014 into the Indian Navy’s Logistics branch, Dilna embodies discipline, resilience, and adventure, often riding her father’s old Royal Enfield as a tribute to his legacy.
Lt Commander Roopa A: Aerospace Aspirations to Naval Glory
Born in Puducherry, Roopa initially pursued aeronautical engineering at Anna University and worked at the National Aerospace Laboratories in Bengaluru. Inspired by her father, an Air Force officer, she joined the Indian Navy in June 2017, becoming part of the Naval Armament Inspection division.
Roopa discovered sailing through naval postings, quickly advancing from dinghies to competitive sailing, and embracing challenges that would prepare her for global circumnavigation.
Navika Sagar Parikrama II: Mission Overview
Objectives & Significance
Launched on October 2, 2024, on Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, the expedition aimed to:
- Promote seamanship and maritime heritage
- Showcase gender equality in extreme maritime challenges
- Contribute to scientific research on oceans and marine biodiversity
The expedition featured double-handed sailing, a more complex and demanding format than the previous all-women mission in 2017-18.
Scientific Contributions
- Collected water samples with the National Institute of Oceanography to study microplastics and ferrous content
- Collaborated with the Wildlife Institute of India to document marine mega-fauna
- Worked with Defence Food Research Laboratory to test pre-cooked Indian meals for maritime missions
INSV Tarini: The Vessel That Made History
Specifications & Capabilities
- Length: 56 feet, built at Aquarius Shipyard, Goa
- Hull: Wood-core and fibreglass sandwich
- Sails: Mainsail, genoa, stay sails, downwind, storm sail
- Navigation: Raymarine suite, satellite communication, emergency windvane steering
Proven Track Record
Prior to Navika Sagar Parikrama II, INSV Tarini sailed over 50,000 nautical miles, including a full circumnavigation, diplomatic missions, and participation in the President’s Fleet Review 2022.
The Voyage: Challenges & Triumphs
Extreme Weather & Technical Hurdles
- Faced three cyclones, 50-knot winds, and 20-foot waves
- Experienced navigation system blackout in the Pacific Ocean, restored after hours of work
- Navigated Point Nemo, the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, and Cape Horn, earning the title of “Cape Horners”
Port Calls & Cultural Diplomacy
- Fremantle, Australia | Nov 9, 2024
- Lyttelton, New Zealand | Dec 22, 2024
- Port Stanley, Falkland Islands | Feb 18, 2025
- Cape Town, South Africa | Mar 31, 2025
At each stop, the officers promoted Indian maritime heritage, engaging with local communities and enhancing India’s soft power.
Recognition & Awards
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised their feat on Mann Ki Baat
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed them at Mormugao Port, calling them “the country’s brave daughters”
- Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi lauded their resilience and perseverance
They became two of only ten Indians to circumnavigate the globe under sail power and the first double-handed Indian team to achieve this.
Lessons & Inspirational Messages
Reflections on the Journey
- Roopa: “The world of the sea is on this same planet, but it’s a different world out there.”
- Dilna: Fulfilled her promise to her late father by flying the Indian flag at every sea and land across the Earth
Leadership & Resilience
- Learned to adapt to uncontrollable circumstances, emphasizing patience and teamwork
- Highlighted the importance of breaking barriers for women in defense and maritime sectors
Broader Significance: Women Empowerment & National Pride
- Reinforces India’s commitment to Nari Shakti in defense
- Showcases India’s maritime capabilities on a global stage
- Inspires future generations of women in the armed forces
Conclusion: A Legacy of Courage
Lt Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A have redefined possibilities for women in maritime operations, combining courage, skill, and endurance. Their successful completion of Navika Sagar Parikrama II demonstrates that with preparation, teamwork, and determination, no horizon is out of reach.
This journey is not just a maritime achievement—it is a testament to India’s evolving defense landscape, women empowerment, and global maritime excellence.
