Nine women officers complete 314-day tri-service circumnavigation expedition

New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on July 22 formally flagged in Samudra Pradakshina, the first-ever tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, marking the successful completion of a 314-day voyage by nine women officers of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

Aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, the crew covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans before returning to Mumbai. The expedition, which was virtually flagged off by Singh from Mumbai on September 11, 2025, was formally flagged in through video conferencing on July 22.

Singh described the expedition as a demonstration of India’s Nari Shakti, a symbol of the country’s resolve and a testament to the effectiveness of tri-service jointness and synergy. He said the mission represented the spirit of a “New India” that overcomes challenges and creates history.

The expedition was completed after nearly two years of intensive training, meticulous planning and round-the-clock shore-based support. The crew also received assistance from numerous organisations and support agencies throughout the voyage.

The expedition met all internationally recognised criteria for circumnavigation, including crossing every meridian of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, traversing the International Date Line and rounding the three Great Capes – Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope.

The crew’s successful navigation of the challenging Drake Passage and rounding of Cape Horn also earned them membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour accorded to sailors who successfully negotiate one of the world’s most difficult maritime passages.

Commending the crew’s courage and determination, Singh said the expedition demonstrated that “human courage is much greater than any storm”. He added that the achievement showed how women in India are creating opportunities, taking leadership roles and making their mark in history.

The expedition also served as a demonstration of tri-service integration, bringing together women officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force for a common mission. Having lived, trained and sailed together for more than 10 months, the crew operated as a cohesive unit, showcasing the importance of joint planning, interoperability and shared leadership.

Singh said the expedition demonstrated that tri-service jointness was not merely an organisational concept but a force multiplier that enhances operational effectiveness and national capabilities. He said Samudra Pradakshina would be remembered not only as a maritime achievement but also as a campaign that conveyed a message of India’s strength through unity.

At a time when militaries worldwide are increasingly focusing on joint operations, integrated commands and multi-domain warfare, the Defence Minister said the voyage of IASV Triveni had highlighted the importance of coordination among the three services. According to him, greater coordination multiplies capabilities and strengthens the prospects of success when the armed forces operate together.

The expedition also served as an instrument of military diplomacy. During port calls in different countries, IASV Triveni showcased India’s cultural heritage, maritime traditions, military professionalism and values, while promoting goodwill and strengthening relations with friendly nations.

Describing the vessel as India’s “floating ambassador”, Singh said the international port calls had enhanced the country’s soft power and helped project India’s maritime capabilities and traditions globally.

The 50-foot IASV Triveni, which has been built indigenously, was also highlighted as an example of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India). Singh said the vessel demonstrated India’s engineering capabilities, technological prowess, indigenous capacity and growing strategic confidence.

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and other senior military officials attended the flag-in ceremony from Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi. Defence delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa were also present.

Senior military commanders, veterans, other dignitaries and families of the crew gathered at the Gateway of India in Mumbai to welcome the nine officers following their historic return.