Rajnath Singh Honors IASV Triveni Crew for Landmark All-Women Circumnavigation Expedition
New Delhi, July 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honored the nine-member crew of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on July 30, 2026, after they successfully completed Samudra Pradakshina, India's inaugural Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition. Singh commended the mission as a testament to Nari Shakti, the joint efforts of the three military services, and national resolve, expressing that this historic journey would serve as an inspiration to all Indians.
In an interaction held in New Delhi, the Raksha Mantri congratulated the officers on their extraordinary 314-day voyage around the world, during which they covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. He highlighted the expedition as a significant milestone showcasing the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of India's women in uniform, while also demonstrating the seamless collaboration among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Rajnath Singh addressed the crew, emphasizing their steadfast determination and commitment. He described the expedition as a powerful symbol of women's empowerment and the growing strength of joint military operations, stating that the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina has dispelled outdated notions that women are incapable of undertaking challenging military missions.
The Defence Minister assured the officers that they have proven that physical capability, mental toughness, and leadership are not restricted by gender. He encouraged every girl in India to see them as an example that she too can cross oceans and conquer challenges. He called the expedition a remarkable demonstration of Tri-Service synergy, as officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force sailed together under one flag with a unified mission, asserting that no horizon is too vast when united.
During their interaction, the women officers recounted their experiences from this demanding expedition, describing it as both challenging and exceptionally rewarding. They spoke of enduring long periods of isolation, unpredictable weather, and physically demanding sailing conditions, staying motivated by their collective commitment to make the nation proud. The crew stated that teamwork, discipline, and determination were crucial in overcoming the challenges encountered during the mission.
Rajnath Singh, responding to their experiences, expressed that their dedication personally inspired him and strengthened his resolve. He noted that their achievement exemplifies how conviction and perseverance enable individuals to achieve even the most challenging objectives.
The Raksha Mantri also praised the expedition for highlighting India's engineering excellence, indigenous capabilities, and technological progress to the international community. During its global port calls, IASV Triveni displayed India's maritime traditions, military professionalism, cultural heritage, and indigenous sailing capabilities, fostering goodwill with friendly nations. He remarked that the crew sent a message to the world that India is not second to any nation in any field.
The success of Samudra Pradakshina marks one of the most significant achievements in the history of India's Armed Forces. The mission met all the internationally recognized criteria for a global circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, traversing the Equator twice, crossing the International Date Line, and rounding the Three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
One of the expedition's notable accomplishments was the successful navigation through the infamous Drake Passage and rounding Cape Horn, regarded as one of the world's most challenging maritime routes. This feat earned the crew membership in the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honor reserved for sailors who navigate one of the toughest sea passages on the planet.
Officials reported that the expedition was the result of nearly two years of intensive preparation, meticulous planning, and continuous support from a dedicated 24x7 shore-based network. The mission was made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple military organizations, technical experts, logistics teams, and support agencies, ensuring the crew remained operationally ready throughout the 314-day journey.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, and senior officers from all three Services. The IASV Triveni crew had been virtually welcomed back by the Raksha Mantri on July 22, 2026, following their return to Mumbai. Rajnath Singh had also presided over the expedition's flag-off ceremony via video conferencing on September 11, 2025.
Beyond its record-setting voyage, Samudra Pradakshina stands as a powerful symbol of Nari Shakti, Tri-Service integration, indigenous capability, and India's growing confidence as a maritime nation. The expedition is expected to inspire future generations of women and Armed Forces personnel while reinforcing the values of courage, resilience, teamwork, and national service.
