India Flags Off First All-Women Tri-Service Sailing Voyage

In a historic first, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 12 September 2025 flagged off ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, the world’s first all-women tri-service circumnavigation sailing expedition, from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The mission brings together women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force and represents a powerful symbol of nari shakti, joint military cooperation, and India’s strides towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Mission Overview

The expedition, led by 10 women officers, will last nine months and aims to circumnavigate the globe aboard the IASV Triveni, a 50-foot indigenously-built Indian Army Sailing Vessel. The sailing route will follow an easterly course, covering nearly 26,000 nautical miles.

Key navigational highlights include,

• Crossing the Equator twice
• Rounding the three great Capes:
• Cape Leeuwin (Australia)
• Cape Horn (South America)
• Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)

The crew is expected to return to Mumbai in May 2026.

Significance of the Expedition

First-of-its-Kind Globally

Samudra Pradakshina marks the first global circumnavigation by an all-women team from all three armed services. It is also the first time a tri-service expedition has taken such a voyage on a single vessel, showcasing the jointness and operational synergy of India’s military forces.

Promoting Nari Shakti

The initiative is part of the government’s broader mission to empower women in all sectors, including the armed forces. Minister Singh described the expedition as a glowing symbol of women’s empowerment, proving that Indian women are leading from the front in national and global missions.

Defence Indigenisation

The expedition also reflects India’s self-reliant spirit, with the IASV Triveni being indigenously designed and built. This aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and showcases India’s capabilities in advanced maritime technology and defence logistics.

Broader Impact

Role Model for Youth

This expedition is set to inspire young women across the country to pursue careers in the armed forces and adventure sports, breaking gender stereotypes and societal barriers.

International Maritime Presence

Sailing past major maritime chokepoints and oceanic territories, the crew will represent India’s values of peace, cooperation, and self-sufficiency. The expedition will also build diplomatic goodwill during its scheduled port visits.

Enhanced Military Training

The officers participating in this mission will gain critical operational experience, including navigation, endurance sailing, survival in extreme conditions, and leadership under pressure—skills vital for defence preparedness.

Key Takeaways

• Samudra Pradakshina: World’s first all-women tri-service circumnavigation sailing expedition
• Flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 12 Sep 2025
• Vessel: IASV Triveni, 50-foot indigenous yacht
• Duration: 9 months, covering 26,000 nautical miles
• Route: Crosses Equator twice, rounds Cape Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope
• Return to Mumbai expected in May 2026