India has created history at sea. In a landmark moment for the nation and its armed forces, ten Indian women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force embarked on a daring 9-month-long global circumnavigation voyage — ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ — aboard the indigenously built Indian Armed Services Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
Flagged off virtually by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from the Gateway of India, this is the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation voyage, covering 26,000 nautical miles, crossing the Equator twice, and passing through the most challenging oceanic terrains on Earth.
A Mission of Nari Shakti, Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Maritime Might
Defence Minister Singh called the mission a testament to “Nari Shakti in uniform”, tri-service unity, and India’s rising maritime and diplomatic aspirations. The Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army described it as “not just sailing, but a milestone in India’s maritime journey.”
A Journey Across the World’s Toughest Waters
On their 50-foot IASV Triveni, built in Puducherry, the crew will chart an easterly course, navigating the Drake Passage, Southern Ocean, and three iconic capes — Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and Cape of Good Hope. They’ll stop at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada), and Cape Town (South Africa) before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.
This voyage adheres to World Sailing Speed Record Council requirements: sailing at least 21,600 nautical miles without powerboats or canal transits, crossing all longitudes and the Equator twice.
Meet the Crew of IASV Triveni
Lt Col Anuja Varudkar – Expedition Leader
Sqn Ldr Shraddha P. Raju – Deputy Leader
Major Karamjeet Kaur
Major Omita Dalvi
Captain Prajakta P. Nikam
Captain Dauli Butola
Lt Cdr Priyanka Gusain
Wing Cdr Vibha Singh
Sqn Ldr Aruvi Jayadev
Sqn Ldr Vaishali Bhandari
These officers trained rigorously for three years, graduating from small offshore trips to international expeditions, including a Mumbai–Seychelles–Mumbai mission earlier in 2025.
Beyond Sailing: A Spiritual and National Statement
Defence Minister Singh described the voyage as “a spiritual sadhana” — blending discipline, self-reliance, and courage — a living embodiment of India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision. The expedition also showcases Aatmanirbhar Bharat through the indigenous design of IASV Triveni.
●Historic first for any nation’s armed forces: a tri-service, all-women circumnavigation
●Strengthens India’s global maritime image
●Inspires future women officers and youth to break barriers
●Demonstrates indigenous shipbuilding capabilities
As the ten officers sail into uncharted waters, their mission will inspire millions — proving that India’s daughters can not only guard the nation but also conquer the oceans.