Samudra Pradakshina: Nine Women Officers Script History with India’s First Tri-Service Global Sailing Expedition

India has added another remarkable chapter to its defence history with the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina, the country’s first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition. The extraordinary mission brought together nine women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, who sailed around the globe aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.

The expedition is far more than a sailing achievement. It represents courage, discipline, teamwork, endurance, and the growing role of women in India’s armed forces. By navigating some of the world’s toughest oceans and completing a journey spanning nearly 25,500 nautical miles, these officers have demonstrated that determination and professionalism know no gender.

A Historic Milestone for India

The Samudra Pradakshina expedition is unique because it is the first global circumnavigation mission jointly undertaken by women officers from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces.

The mission was flagged off from Mumbai in September 2025 and concluded in July 2026 after an incredible 314-day voyage. During this period, the crew crossed four major oceans and encountered some of the most challenging maritime conditions on Earth.

The successful completion of the expedition marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards greater military integration and women empowerment.

The Mission’s Objectives

The expedition was designed with several important objectives:

• Demonstrate seamless cooperation among the Army, Navy and Air Force.
• Promote women’s leadership in the armed forces.
• Enhance offshore sailing and navigation skills.
• Test physical and mental endurance during prolonged deployments.
• Showcase India’s indigenous maritime capabilities.
• Inspire young Indians, particularly women, to pursue careers in the defence services.

Beyond these objectives, the mission served as a symbol of national confidence and India’s expanding capabilities in adventure, navigation and military professionalism.

The Journey Around the Globe

Sailing around the world is one of the toughest challenges in maritime adventure. Unlike conventional voyages, circumnavigation requires a vessel to cross multiple oceans while navigating changing weather systems, powerful currents and unpredictable storms.

Over nearly eleven months, the crew of IASV Triveni covered approximately 25,500 nautical miles.

The expedition successfully:

• Crossed the Equator twice.
• Crossed every major longitude.
• Crossed the International Date Line.
• Rounded the three Great Capes:
  • Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)
  • Cape Leeuwin (Australia)
  • Cape Horn (South America)

These are internationally recognised milestones for a true circumnavigation of the globe.

Facing Nature’s Toughest Challenges

The voyage was far from comfortable.

The officers encountered severe storms, high waves, powerful winds and rapidly changing sea conditions. Reports indicate that the crew sailed through winds reaching nearly 60 knots and waves rising up to five metres.

Living aboard a sailing vessel for over ten months also demanded exceptional discipline. Every crew member had to perform multiple responsibilities, including navigation, sail handling, equipment maintenance, weather monitoring, communication and emergency preparedness.

Despite the harsh environment, the team maintained high morale and successfully completed the mission without compromising safety.

IASV Triveni: The Vessel Behind the Achievement

The expedition was undertaken aboard IASV Triveni, an indigenously built sailing vessel of the Indian Army.

The yacht was specially equipped for long-distance ocean voyages and capable of enduring diverse maritime conditions. During the expedition, IASV Triveni proved its reliability while carrying the crew across thousands of nautical miles.

The successful performance of the vessel also reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenous maritime technology.

Leadership and Teamwork

Every successful expedition depends upon effective leadership and coordinated teamwork.

The mission was led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, while Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju served as the Deputy Expedition Leader. Along with the remaining officers from the three services, they demonstrated remarkable professionalism throughout the voyage.

Life at sea requires complete trust among crew members. Every decision can directly impact the safety of the team. The officers worked together around the clock, managing navigation, sail operations, maintenance, weather forecasting and emergency drills.

Their coordination perfectly reflected the spirit of Tri-Service integration, an important objective of India’s evolving defence structure.

A Powerful Symbol of Nari Shakti

The expedition is also a celebration of Nari Shakti, showcasing how women are increasingly taking on challenging roles across India’s defence services.

Over the past decade, women have entered combat aviation, permanent commissions, frontline operational roles and command appointments. Samudra Pradakshina adds another inspiring chapter by demonstrating that women officers are equally capable of undertaking some of the world’s most demanding maritime expeditions.

Their achievement is expected to inspire thousands of young girls across the country to consider careers in the armed forces.

Strengthening Tri-Service Cooperation

One of the most significant aspects of the expedition is the cooperation between the Army, Navy and Air Force.

The mission provided an opportunity for officers from different services to train, live and operate together for an extended period. Such experiences improve interoperability, communication and mutual understanding, which are essential for modern military operations.

As India continues to strengthen joint military structures, expeditions like Samudra Pradakshina contribute meaningfully towards building a more integrated defence force.

Recognition and National Pride

Upon their return, the nine officers were felicitated for successfully completing this historic expedition.

Their achievement has been widely recognised as an example of dedication, resilience and national service. Defence experts believe the mission has enhanced India’s reputation in global adventure sailing while simultaneously highlighting the professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces.

The expedition has become a proud moment not only for the defence community but for the entire nation.

Conclusion

The successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina is a landmark achievement in India’s military history. It combines the values of courage, endurance, teamwork and national pride while highlighting the growing leadership of women in the armed forces.

After sailing over 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans and completing a 314-day circumnavigation of the globe, the nine women officers aboard IASV Triveni have created history. Their achievement demonstrates that India’s armed forces continue to evolve through greater jointness, professionalism and inclusivity.

Samudra Pradakshina is much more than a sailing expedition—it is a story of determination, resilience and the limitless potential of India’s daughters serving the nation with courage and honour.