India’s First Tri-Services All-Women Sailing Team Returns from Historic Seychelles Voyage

In a landmark display of courage, endurance, and gender empowerment, the Tri-Services All-Women Sailing Expedition Team of the Indian Armed Forces returned home on June 4, 2025, after successfully completing a two-month-long, 1,800-nautical-mile voyage to Seychelles. Sailing aboard the indigenous vessel ‘Triveni’, a 56-foot yacht, the mission marks the first-ever international open-sea sailing expedition by an all-women crew from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing a remarkable blend of maritime skill and strategic outreach.

Why in News?

The return of the Tri-Services All-Women Sailing Team marks a milestone in Indian military history, as it represents, The first international open-sea expedition by an all-women team. A successful example of maritime diplomacy with the Seychelles. A symbol of women empowerment in India’s defense forces. The expedition was ceremonially flagged-in in Mumbai by Lt Gen AK Ramesh, highlighting the significance of the event in furthering Tri-Services synergy and gender-inclusive operational excellence.

Mission Overview

• Duration: April 7 to June 4, 2025 (~2 months)
• Distance: 1,800 nautical miles
• Vessel: Indian Armed Services Vessel ‘Triveni’, a 56-foot sailing yacht
• Team: 11 women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force

Crew Members

• Indian Army: Lt Col Anuja, Maj Karamjeet, Maj Tanyah, Capt Omita, Capt Dauli, Capt Prajakta
• Indian Navy: Lt Cdr Priyanka
• Indian Air Force: Sqn Ldr Vibha, Sqn Ldr Shraddha, Sqn Ldr Aruvi, Sqn Ldr Vaishali

Challenges Faced

• Navigated through tropical squalls, rough sea states, and extended periods of fatigue.
• Required physical and mental endurance, maritime skill, and coordination under high-pressure conditions.

Diplomatic Significance

Participated in formal engagements in Seychelles with,

• Seychellois Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Chief of Combined Defence Staff
• Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles
• Reinforced India’s strategic and maritime diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region.

Objectives and Broader Goals

• Promote ‘Nari Shakti’ (women empowerment) in defense operations.
• Showcase Tri-services cooperation and operational excellence.
• Strengthen India’s maritime capabilities and presence in the Indian Ocean.
• Inspire future women-led military expeditions.