General Dhiraj Seth Commends All-Women Tri-Service Team on Successful Global Sailing Expedition
New Delhi, July 28: General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff, engaged with women officers from the first Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, upon their return to India on July 22, 2026. This interaction highlighted the remarkable achievements of the nine officers who undertook one of the most challenging maritime missions by women in the Indian Armed Forces.
The Samudra Pradakshina expedition is celebrated as a significant milestone in India's military history. Over a period of 314 days, the all-women crew traversed nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four major oceans, facing some of the most difficult sea conditions globally. The journey tested their physical endurance, mental resilience, professional skills, and teamwork capabilities.
During the meeting, General Seth praised the officers for their historic achievement, acknowledging their determination, discipline, and unwavering commitment throughout the voyage. He commended the team for establishing new standards in adventure, leadership, and operational excellence, highlighting their success as a testament to the professionalism and capability of the Indian Armed Forces.
This expedition uniquely combined women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, marking India's first Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation mission. The officers faced unpredictable weather, turbulent seas, and extended isolation, necessitating exceptional seamanship, decision-making, and coordination under challenging conditions.
The completion of Samudra Pradakshina transcends a maritime accomplishment; it signifies the evolving role of women in India's defence forces and underscores the Armed Forces' commitment to broadening opportunities for women in operational, leadership, and adventure spheres. The mission also reinforces India's focus on jointness and integration across the three services, with officers operating cohesively as a unified team throughout the voyage.
General Seth highlighted that the expedition typifies courage, endurance, teamwork, and the inherent spirit of women in uniform. He pointed out that such accomplishments inspire not only current personnel but also young Indians eager to join the Armed Forces, illustrating that dedication, training, and perseverance can overcome substantial challenges.
The nine women officers have garnered extensive admiration for completing a voyage that involved navigating vast nautical distances across diverse climatic zones and international waters. Their success underscores India's burgeoning maritime capabilities, the strength of Tri-Service cooperation, and the confidence in women officers to tackle demanding operational and adventure missions.
With Samudra Pradakshina now etched in the annals of the Indian Armed Forces, the expedition is poised to inspire future military generations and further bolster India's legacy in adventure sailing and joint military initiatives.
