Indian Armed Forces Complete Historic All-Women Circumnavigation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated nine women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force on July 30, 2026, for successfully completing the first-ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition 'Samudra Pradakshina' onboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. The 314-day voyage covered approximately 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans, representing a significant achievement in tri-service jointness and women's empowerment (Nari Shakti).
The expedition required nearly two years of intensive training and was supported by a dedicated 24X7 shore-based network involving numerous organizations and support agencies. The mission fulfilled all internationally recognized circumnavigation criteria, including 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.
Notably, the successful passage through the formidable Drake Passage and rounding of Cape Horn earned the crew membership in the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honor reserved for sailors who conquer one of the world's most demanding maritime passages. Beyond the maritime achievement, the expedition served as an instrument of military diplomacy, with IASV Triveni showcasing India's rich cultural heritage, maritime traditions, military professionalism, and enduring values during port calls across the globe, thereby strengthening goodwill with friendly nations.
The team was virtually flagged-in by the Defence Minister on July 22, 2026, in Mumbai, following the initial flag-off ceremony conducted via video conferencing on September 11, 2025. Senior military leadership including Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar were present during the felicitation ceremony.