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.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	First-ever international open-sea sailing mission by all-women Tri-services team
Team Size	11 women officers
Duration	April 7 – June 4, 2025 (~2 months)
Distance Covered	1,800 nautical miles
Vessel	Indian Armed Services Vessel ‘Triveni’ (56 ft yacht)
Destination	Seychelles
Challenges	Tropical storms, rough seas, prolonged fatigue
Diplomatic Engagements	Foreign Minister of Seychelles, Chief of Defence Staff, Indian HC
Flag-in Ceremony	June 4, 2025, in Mumbai by Lt Gen AK Ramesh