New Delhi, July 28: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Dhiraj Seth, interacted with the women officers of the first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, following their successful return to India on July 22, 2026. The meeting marked a moment of recognition for the extraordinary achievement of the nine officers, who completed one of the most ambitious maritime expeditions ever undertaken by women from the Indian Armed Forces.
The Samudra Pradakshina expedition has been hailed as a landmark milestone in India’s military history. Over the course of 314 days, the all-women crew sailed nearly 25,500 nautical miles, navigating through four major oceans while enduring some of the world’s most challenging sea conditions. The voyage demanded exceptional levels of physical endurance, mental resilience, professional competence, and teamwork.
During the interaction, General Dhiraj Seth congratulated the officers on their historic accomplishment and commended their determination, discipline, and unwavering commitment throughout the expedition. He lauded the team for setting a new benchmark in adventure, leadership, and operational excellence, describing their achievement as a powerful reflection of the professionalism and capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
The expedition brought together women officers from all three services—the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force—making it the first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation mission undertaken by India. Throughout the journey, the officers encountered unpredictable weather, rough seas, and prolonged periods of isolation, requiring them to demonstrate exceptional seamanship, decision-making, and coordination under demanding conditions.
The successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina represents far more than a maritime achievement. It symbolises the growing role of women in India’s defence forces and highlights the Armed Forces’ continued commitment to expanding opportunities for women across operational, leadership, and adventure domains. The expedition also reinforces India’s emphasis on jointness and integration among the three services, with officers working seamlessly as a unified team throughout the mission.
General Dhiraj Seth noted that the expedition exemplifies courage, endurance, teamwork, and the indomitable spirit of women in uniform. He emphasised that such accomplishments inspire not only serving personnel but also young Indians aspiring to join the Armed Forces, demonstrating that dedication, training, and perseverance can overcome the toughest challenges.
The nine women officers have earned widespread admiration for successfully completing a voyage that required navigating thousands of nautical miles across diverse climatic zones and international waters. Their achievement stands as a testament to India’s growing maritime capabilities, the strength of Tri-Service cooperation, and the confidence placed in women officers to undertake demanding operational and adventure missions.
With Samudra Pradakshina now etched into the history of the Indian Armed Forces, the expedition is expected to inspire future generations of military personnel and further strengthen India’s legacy of excellence in adventure sailing and joint military initiatives.
