Meet 10 Lady Officers from Army, Navy, and Air Force Ready to Sail the World

In a groundbreaking milestone for India's Armed Forces, a team of ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force is set to embark on an ambitious round-the-world sailing expedition. The journey will commence from Mumbai's iconic Gateway of India on September 11, 2025, aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, symbolizing the unity and synergy of the three services.

Named after the sacred confluence of three rivers, IASV Triveni embodies the spirit of "jointness" in the Indian military. The all-women crew includes five officers from the Army, one from the Navy, and four from the Air Force. This marks the first time the Indian Armed Forces have collaboratively undertaken a circumnavigation mission, highlighting the prowess of Nari Shakti (women's power) in uniform and advancing India's maritime heritage.

Over the past two and a half years, the team has undergone intensive training across various disciplines. This included a preparatory expedition to Seychelles and specialized instruction from experts at the Heavy Bridging Training Camp (HBTC) in Marve. Skills honed range from navigation and communication to scuba diving, basic medical care, first aid, and advanced blue-water sailing techniques.

The expedition's route spans over 26,000 nautical miles, crossing the Equator twice and navigating the treacherous "Three Great Capes": Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America), and the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa). The sailors will traverse all major oceans, including the notoriously challenging Southern Ocean and Drake Passage, where extreme weather and waves will push human endurance to its limits. The nine-month voyage is expected to conclude in Mumbai by May 2026, with stops at four international ports along the way.

IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht indigenously built in Puducherry, exemplifies India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative. Fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, the vessel has already clocked 10,000 nautical miles during training runs, proving its readiness for this global odyssey.

Beyond the adventure, this expedition celebrates India's expanding maritime capabilities, the unbreakable spirit of women in the forces shattering glass ceilings, and the nation's vision of self-reliance on the international stage. As the team prepares to set sail tomorrow, it stands as an inspiration for future generations, blending tradition, innovation, and resilience.