In a historic first for India’s military, ten women officers representing the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have embarked on a groundbreaking global circumnavigation mission, known as Samudra Pradakshina. The voyage, which is set to cover around 26,000 nautical miles over a span of nine months, commenced from the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai, following a virtual flag-off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from New Delhi.
This pioneering expedition is significant as it marks the first-ever tri-service all-women sailing journey. The team is led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar and includes notable officers such as Lieutenant Colonel Karamjeet Kaur, Major Tanya Goyal, and several others from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The mission stands as a symbol of Nari Shakti, emphasizing women’s empowerment, and reflects India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which translates to self-reliant India.
The vessel, an indigenously built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) named Triveni, is a 50-foot yacht equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication technologies. Constructed in Puducherry, the Triveni has already logged 10,000 nautical miles during training missions, proving its readiness for the demanding journey ahead. The expedition will lead the crew through some challenging maritime routes, including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage, with plans to cross the Equator twice and round three significant capes: Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in Chile, and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
The crew members have undergone an intensive three-year training regimen at the Heavy Bridging Training Camp in Marve, Mumbai, honing essential skills such as navigation, communication, scuba diving, and advanced blue-water sailing. Earlier this year, they successfully completed an international voyage to Seychelles, further demonstrating their preparedness for the global adventure.
Scheduled port calls during this expedition include Fremantle in Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and Cape Town in South Africa. At each stop, the officers will not only engage in defense diplomacy, showcasing India’s military prowess and cultural heritage, but will also collaborate with the National Institute of Oceanography to research microplastics and document ocean biodiversity. This aspect of the journey highlights the expedition’s contribution to marine science and environmental awareness.
Describing the mission, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh characterized it as “a spiritual sadhana and a journey of discipline and willpower,” stressing that the determination of the crew will be vital in overcoming obstacles such as massive swells, extreme cold, and unpredictable storms. Various top military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, attended the virtual flag-off, underscoring the importance of the mission.
The Samudra Pradakshina expedition adds to the legacy of previous circumnavigations by the Indian Navy, such as Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017-18 and its sequel planned for 2024-25. The crew is expected to return to Mumbai in May 2026, and their journey will not only test their skills and endurance but will also serve as an inspirational beacon for future generations, highlighting the expanding role of women in India’s armed forces.
