New Delhi, July 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated the nine-member crew of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on July 30, 2026, following the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina, India’s first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition. He hailed the expedition as a shining example of Nari Shakti, Tri-Service jointness, and national determination, stating that the historic voyage would inspire every Indian.
During the interaction in New Delhi, the Raksha Mantri congratulated the officers for completing the extraordinary 314-day global voyage, during which they sailed nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. He described the expedition as a landmark achievement that reflects the courage, professionalism, and resilience of India’s women in uniform while showcasing the seamless cooperation among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Addressing the crew, Rajnath Singh praised their unwavering determination and commitment, describing the expedition as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment and the growing strength of joint military operations. He said the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina had shattered outdated stereotypes suggesting that women could not undertake demanding military missions.
The Defence Minister told the officers that they had proven physical capability, mental toughness, and leadership qualities are not bound by gender. He remarked that every daughter in India could look at them and believe that she too could cross oceans and conquer the world. Calling the expedition a remarkable demonstration of Tri-Service synergy, he highlighted that officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force sailed together under one flag with a shared mission. He added that no horizon is too vast to conquer when people move forward together.
During the interaction, the women officers shared their experiences from the demanding expedition, describing the journey as both challenging and immensely rewarding. They spoke about enduring prolonged isolation, unpredictable weather, and physically demanding sailing conditions while remaining motivated by their shared commitment to make the nation proud. The crew said that teamwork, discipline, and determination enabled them to overcome every challenge encountered during the mission.
Responding to their experiences, Rajnath Singh said their dedication had inspired him personally and strengthened his own resolve. He observed that their achievement demonstrates how conviction and perseverance can enable individuals to accomplish even the most difficult objectives.
The Raksha Mantri also commended the expedition for showcasing India’s engineering excellence, indigenous capabilities, and technological progress before the international community. During its global port calls, IASV Triveni projected India’s maritime traditions, military professionalism, cultural heritage, and indigenous sailing capabilities while strengthening goodwill with friendly nations. He remarked that the crew had conveyed a message to the world that India is second to none in any field.
The success of Samudra Pradakshina represents one of the most significant achievements in the history of India’s Armed Forces. The mission fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for a global circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, crossing the International Date Line, and rounding the Three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
One of the expedition’s most remarkable accomplishments was the successful passage through the notorious Drake Passage and the rounding of Cape Horn, regarded as one of the world’s most challenging maritime routes. This feat earned the crew membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour reserved for sailors who successfully navigate one of the toughest sea passages on the planet.
Officials noted that the expedition was the culmination of nearly two years of intensive preparation, meticulous planning, and continuous support from a dedicated 24×7 shore-based network. The mission was made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple military organisations, technical experts, logistics teams, and support agencies that ensured the crew remained operationally prepared throughout the 314-day voyage.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by 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 senior officers from all three Services. The IASV Triveni crew had earlier been virtually flagged in by the Raksha Mantri on July 22, 2026, after returning to Mumbai. Rajnath Singh had also presided over the expedition’s flag-off ceremony through video conferencing on September 11, 2025.
Beyond its record-setting voyage, Samudra Pradakshina has emerged as a powerful symbol of Nari Shakti, Tri-Service integration, indigenous capability, and India’s growing confidence as a maritime nation. The expedition is expected to inspire future generations of women and Armed Forces personnel while reinforcing the values of courage, resilience, teamwork, and service to the nation.
