Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday felicitated nine women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force after they completed India’s first-ever all-women Tri-services circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina. The officers completed the 314-day voyage aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.
Rajnath Singh Felicitates IASV Triveni Crew
During an interaction with the officers in New Delhi, Singh praised their courage, determination and commitment throughout the demanding expedition. According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence, he described the mission as a symbol of Nari Shakti and a powerful example of jointness among India’s three armed services.
The officers shared their experiences of the voyage with the Defence Minister and explained how the challenging nature of the expedition made it both memorable and rewarding. They said their determination to make the country proud helped them overcome significant physical and mental challenges during the journey.
Singh said the team’s dedication had inspired him and highlighted their achievement as an example of how strong conviction and determination can help overcome difficult challenges.
Samudra Pradakshina Showcases Women’s Military Capabilities
The Defence Minister described the officers’ confidence and capabilities as remarkable and said their achievement had challenged stereotypes about women’s ability to undertake demanding military missions.
“You have proven that physical capability, mental toughness, and leadership qualities are not bound by gender.”
Singh said the expedition could inspire young women across India to believe in their ability to take on ambitious challenges. He also highlighted the importance of the officers’ leadership, resilience and teamwork throughout the voyage.
IASV Triveni Expedition Highlights Tri-Service Jointness
Singh also described Samudra Pradakshina as a significant example of Tri-service jointness. Officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force sailed together aboard the same vessel under one flag while working towards a common mission.
The expedition demonstrated the importance of coordination and cooperation between the three services. Singh said the mission showed that even vast challenges can be overcome when people move forward together towards a shared objective.
The team also represented India’s engineering capabilities, indigenous expertise and technological progress during visits to different countries. Singh said the officers conveyed India’s ability to compete across fields while showcasing the country’s capabilities internationally.
314-Day Voyage Covered Nearly 25,500 Nautical Miles
The historic expedition lasted 314 days and covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. The mission successfully met all internationally recognised criteria for a circumnavigation.
During the voyage, IASV Triveni crossed all meridians of longitude, crossed the Equator twice and crossed the International Date Line. The crew also rounded the Three Great Capes: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope.
One of the expedition’s most demanding achievements was the successful passage through the Drake Passage and the rounding of Cape Horn. Following the feat, the crew earned membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour associated with sailors who complete the challenging maritime passage around Cape Horn.
Nearly Two Years of Training Behind the Mission
According to the Ministry of Defence, the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina was supported by extensive preparation. The crew underwent nearly two years of intensive training before undertaking the voyage.
The mission was also backed by meticulous planning and a dedicated shore-based support network operating around the clock. Numerous organisations and support agencies contributed to the expedition’s successful completion.
Singh virtually flagged in the IASV Triveni team in Mumbai on July 22, 2026, following the completion of the expedition. He had earlier participated virtually in the flag-off ceremony on September 11, 2025.
IASV Triveni Expedition Strengthened Military Diplomacy
Beyond its maritime significance, the expedition also played a role in India’s military diplomacy. During port calls in different parts of the world, the crew showcased India’s cultural heritage, maritime traditions, military professionalism and national values.
The visits also helped strengthen goodwill and ties with friendly countries. Through Samudra Pradakshina, the crew combined a demanding maritime challenge with an international outreach mission that highlighted India’s capabilities and its commitment to cooperation.
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 other senior officers from the three services were present during the interaction.
The completion of the expedition marks a significant achievement for India’s armed forces, combining women’s leadership, Tri-service cooperation, maritime endurance and India’s indigenous capabilities in a single mission.
Source: Ministry of Defence release via ANI
