Indian Armed Forces Launch All-Women Team for Historic Circumnavigation Voyage

The Indian Armed Forces are poised to embark on a historic all-women circumnavigation mission, highlighting both Nari Shakti and the synergy among the tri-services. This pioneering initiative will see a 10-member crew set off from Mumbai on September 11 aboard the indigenously constructed 50-foot Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, with a journey extending 21,600 nautical miles.

The team is composed of five Army officers, one Naval officer, and four Air Force officers. They have received extensive training over the last two and a half years, which included a 10,000-nautical-mile expedition to Seychelles. Their preparation covered areas such as navigation, communication, scuba diving, medical first aid, fatigue management, and weather analysis.

Squadron Leader Shraddha Raju, who has 11 years of experience as a technical officer on Sukhoi-30 aircraft, remarked, “We will be the forerunners of IASV Triveni and showcase the power of Indian tri-Services.”

Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, the expedition leader with 21 years of service, described the mission as a significant milestone: “This expedition is about synergy. Each of us brings distinct skill sets to fulfill the mission.”

The journey will span eight to nine months, crossing the equator twice and navigating the three Great Capes: Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America, and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. The crew is scheduled to stop at four international ports: Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa.

Navy spokesperson Captain Mehul Karnik pointed out the most challenging part of the voyage: “The most challenging part will be Drake Passage, notorious for rough seas and strong currents.”

Constructed in Puducherry, Triveni is outfitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems. Having already completed 10,000 nautical miles during training, the vessel stands as a testament to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Lt. Commander Priyanka Gusain, a Naval Constructor, noted that the mission also carries a diplomatic aim: “We will be meeting the diaspora and, in a way, strengthening India’s relations abroad.”

The crew is anticipated to return to Mumbai by May 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime history.