Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar of the Corps of Engineers has emerged as a symbol of leadership and resilience after successfully leading India’s first-ever Tri-Service All-Women Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition aboard the indigenous Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. The landmark expedition, named ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, stands as a defining achievement in the history of the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting the growing role of women in demanding operational and adventure missions.
Selected through a rigorous three-phase selection process, Lt Col Varudkar was chosen from among women officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force to serve as the Skipper of IASV Triveni. Her appointment reflected exceptional sailing skills, leadership qualities and the ability to command a multinational-style Tri-Service team during one of the world’s most challenging maritime expeditions.
The expedition lasted 314 days, during which the nine-member all-women crew sailed nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans, making it the first Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation voyage undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces. The mission showcased not only individual endurance but also the strength of seamless jointmanship between the three Services.
As skipper, Lt Col Varudkar led the diverse team through some of the most hostile maritime conditions on the planet. The expedition navigated across the notorious Southern Ocean, where sailors routinely encounter freezing temperatures, hurricane-force winds, towering waves and rapidly changing weather. Successfully operating in such an environment demanded exceptional seamanship, meticulous planning and calm decision-making under extreme pressure.
The crew crossed three of the world’s most formidable maritime landmarks—Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. These passages are regarded among the toughest sailing routes globally due to unpredictable weather, powerful ocean currents and relentless storms.
Throughout the voyage, Lt Col Varudkar demonstrated outstanding leadership by guiding her team through adverse weather, prolonged isolation and operational challenges while maintaining morale and mission focus. Her ability to interpret changing sea conditions, make timely navigational decisions and inspire confidence among the crew proved instrumental in the successful completion of the expedition.
The achievement was not solely the accomplishment of the skipper but of the entire nine-member Tri-Service crew. Every sailing watch, sail adjustment, maintenance task and emergency repair required seamless coordination, discipline and mutual trust. The expedition highlighted the professionalism of the women officers, whose teamwork and shared commitment enabled them to overcome every challenge presented by the open ocean.
The mission also underscored the Indian Armed Forces’ growing emphasis on Tri-Service Jointness, with officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force working together as a single cohesive team. Such collaborative initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening inter-service understanding, operational synergy and leadership development beyond conventional military environments.
Beyond its military significance, Samudra Pradakshina serves as an inspiration for young Indians, particularly women aspiring to pursue careers in the Armed Forces. The expedition demonstrated that determination, rigorous training and teamwork can overcome even the harshest natural challenges, reinforcing the values of courage, resilience and perseverance.
Lt Col Anuja Varudkar’s leadership during the historic circumnavigation reflects the Indian Army’s enduring ethos of courage, professionalism and selfless service. The successful completion of the mission not only brought laurels to the nation but also marked a major milestone in India’s journey towards greater inclusion, adventure leadership and joint operational excellence within the Armed Forces.
