Cape Town, 01 April 2025: INSV Tarini, the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, has successfully reached Cape Town, South Africa, completing the fourth leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II) expedition. The crew and the vessel were warmly received by Ms Ruby Jaspreet, Consul General of India at Cape Town, Rear Admiral (JG) Lisa Hendricks, Chief of Staff, South African Navy Fleet, and Captain Atul Sapahia, Defence Adviser of India at Pretoria. The South African Naval Band also performed to mark the ceremonial welcome.
All-Women Naval Expedition Promoting Maritime Excellence
The ongoing Navika Sagar Parikrama II is being undertaken by two officers of the Indian Navy—Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A—who are navigating the globe on INSV Tarini, a 56-foot indigenously built sailing vessel, showcasing India’s naval capabilities, indigenous manufacturing, and the empowerment of women in the armed forces.
The expedition was flagged off from Goa on 02 October 2024 by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and is expected to cover over 23,400 nautical miles (approximately 43,300 km) over eight months. Tarini is scheduled to return to Goa in May 2025. So far, the journey has included stopovers at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), and Port Stanley (Falkland Islands, UK) before arriving in Cape Town.
Challenging Voyage Across Rough Waters
The voyage has been arduous and demanding, with the officers navigating through stormy seas, extreme cold, and unpredictable weather. The crew encountered winds exceeding 50 knots (93 kmph) and waves as high as 7 meters (23 feet), testing both the endurance of the vessel and the resolve of its crew.
INSV Tarini will remain at the Royal Cape Yacht Club for two weeks for scheduled maintenance and repairs. During this period, the crew will also engage in professional and cultural interactions with the South African Navy at Simon’s Town Naval Base and Gordon’s Bay Naval College, and participate in community outreach events.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation and Women’s Empowerment
The arrival of INSV Tarini in Cape Town underscores the strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation between India and South Africa. It also reflects India’s deep commitment to promoting cooperation with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The expedition aligns with broader strategic initiatives, such as Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and increased women’s participation in the Indian Armed Forces.
The voyage not only promotes women empowerment but also contributes to marine and scientific research, inspiring young women to pursue careers in the Services and particularly in the Indian Navy.
Recent India–South Africa Naval Engagements
INSV Tarini’s Cape Town stopover is part of a larger framework of naval cooperation between the two countries. In October 2024, INS Talwar participated in the 8th edition of Exercise IBSAMAR in South Africa, and in January 2025, Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tushil made a port call at Durban, engaging with the South African Navy and the Indian diaspora in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Such engagements underscore the Indian Navy’s continued focus on enhancing partnerships in the IOR, sharing best practices, and addressing common maritime challenges.
INSV Tarini is expected to depart Cape Town on 15 April 2025, continuing its historic circumnavigation as part of the second edition of the Navika Sagar Parikrama, carrying the spirit of India’s maritime heritage and woman-led excellence across the world’s oceans.
