Cape Town has welcomed the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini as it successfully completed the fourth leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II) expedition. The vessel’s arrival in South Africa was celebrated with a warm reception that included prominent figures such as Ms. Ruby Jaspreet, the Consul General of India in Cape Town, Rear Admiral (JG) Lisa Hendricks, Chief of Staff of the South African Navy Fleet, and Captain Atul Sapahia, the Defence Adviser of India at Pretoria. The event was marked by a performance from the South African Naval Band, enhancing the ceremonial ambiance of the occasion.
The NSP II expedition features an all-women crew composed of two officers from the Indian Navy—Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. They are navigating the globe on the 56-foot indigenously built INSV Tarini, showcasing not only India’s naval capabilities and indigenous manufacturing prowess but also the significant role of women within the armed forces.
Flagged off from Goa on October 2, 2024, by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, the expedition aims to cover over 23,400 nautical miles (approximately 43,300 kilometers) over the course of eight months, with plans to return to Goa in May 2025. Since its departure, INSV Tarini has made several stopovers including Fremantle in Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand, and Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, UK, before arriving in Cape Town.
The journey has proven to be rigorous, as the crew faced challenging conditions at sea, enduring stormy weather with winds reaching 50 knots (93 kilometers per hour) and waves peaking at 7 meters (23 feet). Such conditions tested not only the vessel’s durability but also the mettle of its crew members.
During its two-week stay at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, INSV Tarini will undergo necessary maintenance and repairs. This period will also see the crew actively participating in various professional and cultural interactions with the South African Navy at Simon’s Town Naval Base and Gordon’s Bay Naval College. Additionally, they will engage in community outreach events, further solidifying maritime ties with South Africa.
The mission aligns with India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The NSP II expedition is part of broader strategic initiatives including campaigns like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which underscore the importance of women’s empowerment within the Indian Armed Forces.
INSV Tarini’s voyage serves not only as an emblem of women empowerment but also as a means to further marine and scientific research, inspiring young women to explore careers in the military, particularly within the Indian Navy.
The Cape Town stop is part of an ongoing framework for naval collaboration between India and South Africa, with recent engagements including INS Talwar’s participation in the 8th edition of Exercise IBSAMAR and the port call of stealth frigate INS Tushil in Durban, both of which allowed for interaction with the South African Navy and the Indian diaspora in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The Indian Navy continues to focus on strengthening partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region, sharing best practices, and addressing mutual maritime challenges. INSV Tarini is scheduled to depart Cape Town on April 15, 2025, advancing its historic circumnavigation while carrying forward the spirit of India’s maritime heritage and the excellence of women-led initiatives across the globe.
