In a remarkable advancement for gender empowerment and military integration, the women officers of the Indian Armed Forces are making history with Samudra Pradakshina, the nation’s first-ever Tri-Services, all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.
Leading this historic mission are Major Omita Dalvi from the Indian Army and Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev from the Indian Air Force. These two officers are becoming emblematic of Naari Shakti, or women’s strength, on an international platform.
The expedition kicked off in September 2025 and is slated to last nine months, covering an impressive 26,000 nautical miles while navigating some of the world’s most treacherous oceans. Onboard the indigenously built Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni, a total of 10 women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force are participating, demonstrating this historic endeavor.
Having already completed nearly 10,000 nautical miles, the team has made a brief stop ashore before continuing their ambitious circumnavigation.
“As a field long dominated by men, sailing has often been viewed as a male-centric activity. This expedition serves to illustrate the capability of women in these areas,” stated Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev, emphasizing the mission’s deeper significance.
In line with this, Major Omita Dalvi highlighted the expedition’s role in challenging societal myths. “We have sailed for 45 consecutive days at sea without men onboard, shattering stereotypes that women cannot handle technical tasks, long separations, or harsh conditions,” she affirmed.
In addition to championing female empowerment, Samudra Pradakshina aims to foster a culture of sailing and maritime sports in India, a country blessed with a vast coastline yet limited in sailing traditions. The expedition also showcases inter-service cooperation, with the officers having undergone joint training from 2022 to 2025. This included nine preliminary sailing voyages that accounted for an additional 10,000 nautical miles prior to the main expedition, highlighting the importance of teamwork and inter-service bonding in overcoming the challenges posed by extreme maritime conditions.
Currently enduring some of the world’s most challenging waters, the expedition is expected to culminate in Mumbai by May 2026, marking a historic milestone in India’s military and maritime legacy. As the expedition progresses, Major Omita Dalvi and Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev are leading the way, serving as compelling examples of courage, resilience, and the remarkable rise of women in uniform. Their journey is a testament to the fact that India’s daughters are not just prepared to conquer battlefields, but also the vast oceans.
