Historic Tri-Service Women's Circumnavigation Expedition Completed
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-in 'Samudra Pradakshina', the first-ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, via video conferencing on July 22, 2026. Nine women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force returned to Mumbai aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni after successfully completing a 314-day voyage covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. The expedition was virtually flagged-off by the Defence Minister on September 11, 2025 from Mumbai.
The mission fulfilled all internationally recognized criteria for 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. 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.
Demonstration of Jointness and Indigenous Capability
The expedition brought together officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force on a single mission, showcasing integrated planning, seamless interoperability, and shared leadership. The crew lived, trained, and sailed together for over ten months, functioning as one cohesive team and demonstrating that jointness enhances operational effectiveness and national capability.
The indigenously-built 50-foot vessel IASV Triveni was highlighted as an embodiment of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', showcasing India's technical prowess, innovation, and self-confidence. The Defence Minister stated that the vessel stands as a testament to India's engineering excellence, indigenous capability, and strategic confidence.
Military Diplomacy and Global Engagement
Beyond its maritime achievement, the expedition served as a significant instrument of military diplomacy. During port calls across the globe, IASV Triveni showcased India's rich cultural heritage, maritime traditions, military professionalism, and enduring values while fostering goodwill with friendly nations. The Defence Minister described the vessel as India's floating ambassador that strengthened the nation's 'soft power' through engagements with various nations.
High-Level Participation and Recognition
The event was attended by 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, Director General Integrated Training Lieutenant General Ajay Ramdev, and defence delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa at Kartavya Bhavan-2, New Delhi. Military dignitaries, veterans, and families of the crew gathered at the Gateway of India to welcome the crew home.
The success of the mission was made possible through meticulous planning, nearly two years of intensive training, a dedicated 24X7 shore-based support network, and the unwavering commitment of numerous organizations and support agencies.