Historic All-Women Tri-Service Sailing Expedition 'Samudra Pradakshina' Embarks from India
In a significant achievement for India's Armed Forces, a team of ten female officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force embarked on a groundbreaking global circumnavigation mission called Samudra Pradakshina. The journey, undertaken on the domestically constructed Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, was officially launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. This marks the first all-women sailing expedition involving all three branches of the armed forces, aiming to traverse approximately 26,000 nautical miles over a nine-month period.
The diverse group includes five Army officers, one Navy officer, and four Air Force officers, who began their voyage from Mumbai's renowned Gateway of India. Spearheaded by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, the team features Lieutenant Colonel Karamjeet Kaur, Major Tanya Goyal, Captain Omita Chauhan, Captain Dauli Semwal, Captain Prajakta Koli, Lieutenant Commander Priyanka B. Shirke, Squadron Leader Vibha Yadav, Squadron Leader Shradhha Shukla, Squadron Leader Aruvi Gautam, and Squadron Leader Vaishali Tomar. This mission embodies Nari Shakti (women’s power), the solidarity of India's armed services, and the country's push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
The vessel IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry, boasts state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment. Having already completed 10,000 nautical miles in training, it is well-prepared for the formidable challenges ahead. Among the waters to be navigated are the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage, with the expedition set to cross the Equator twice and pass the three major capes: Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (Chile), and Cape of Good Hope (South Africa).
Over the past three years, the crew underwent intensive training at the Heavy Bridging Training Camp in Marve, Mumbai. Their preparation covered navigation, communication, scuba diving, basic medical care, first aid, and advanced blue-water sailing. Earlier this year, they successfully completed an international voyage to Seychelles, demonstrating their readiness for this ambitious expedition.
The mission plans four port visits in Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Cape Town (South Africa). During these stops, the officers will partake in defense diplomacy, highlighting India's military prowess and rich cultural legacy. Furthermore, in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography, they will conduct studies on microplastics and document ocean biodiversity, contributing to marine science and environmental awareness.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh characterized the voyage as “a spiritual sadhana and a journey of discipline and willpower,” noting that the officers' resilience will help them overcome challenges such as massive swells, freezing winds, and unpredictable storms. The virtual launch was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, highlighting the mission's importance.
The Samudra Pradakshina mission follows in the footsteps of past Indian naval circumnavigations, such as Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017-18) and Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024-25). Expected to conclude in Mumbai by May 2026, this expedition not only challenges the crew's nautical skills and endurance but also serves as a powerful testament to the expanding role of women in India's armed forces, inspiring future generations to defy boundaries.
