Marking a proud and powerful moment for the Indian Armed Forces, an 11-member all-women Tri-Services sailing team returned home after successfully completing a trailblazing 1,800-nautical-mile voyage to Seychelles. The two-month international expedition aboard the Indian Armed Services Vessel ‘Triveni’ marks the first-of-its-kind mission in India’s maritime history led solely by women officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The team, launched on April 7, 2025, was ceremonially received on June 4, 2025, in Mumbai, where Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering, flagged-in the historic return. He praised the mission as a “milestone in gender-inclusive operational excellence” and lauded the courage, commitment, and synergy shown by the officers.
Meet the Crew: India’s Sea Warriors
The team comprised 11 women officers who showed remarkable endurance in rough open-sea conditions, enduring tropical storms, limited rest, and navigational challenges:
Indian Army: Lt Col Anuja, Maj Karamjeet, Maj Tanyah, Capt Omita, Capt Dauli, and Capt Prajakta
Indian Navy: Lt Cdr Priyanka
Indian Air Force: Sqn Ldr Vibha, Sqn Ldr Shraddha, Sqn Ldr Aruvi, and Sqn Ldr Vaishali
They sailed aboard the 56-foot indigenously-built yacht ‘Triveni’, navigating through the vast and unpredictable Indian Ocean with exemplary professionalism and discipline.
High Seas, High Spirit: A Test of Endurance and Excellence
The expedition was not just a test of nautical skill, but also of team spirit, physical grit, and mental fortitude. The officers weathered tropical squalls, maintained operations through rough sea states, and adapted to living in extreme conditions for nearly two months—emphasizing the unflinching resolve of Nari Shakti.
Strengthening Maritime Diplomacy in Seychelles
While in Seychelles, the team took part in high-level defence and diplomatic engagements, meeting with:
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles
The Chief of Combined Defence Staff
The High Commissioner of India to Seychelles
These interactions helped deepen India’s maritime and strategic ties with the Indian Ocean Island nation, reflecting the soft power and diplomatic strength of the Indian Armed Forces.
A Symbol of Nari Shakti & Tri-Services Synergy
This mission stands not only as a nautical feat but also as a symbol of empowerment, showcasing the operational readiness and unity of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It highlights:
India’s growing emphasis on gender equality in defence
The evolving role of women in leadership and frontline missions
The strategic vision of India’s maritime outreach
A Voyage of Vision, Valor, and Victory
As India continues to strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific and expand its blue water capabilities, this all-women expedition proves that the nation’s daughters are as capable as their male counterparts in leading complex and demanding missions.
Message is loud and clear:
“India’s strength lies not just in its missiles and machinery—but also in the spirit of its women warriors who sail beyond boundaries.”
Key Highlights
Route: India to Seychelles – 1,800 nautical miles
Duration: 2 months (April 7 – June 4, 2025)
Vessel: Indian Armed Services Yacht ‘Triveni’
Participants: 11 women officers from Army, Navy, Air Force
Engagements: Strengthened India-Seychelles maritime ties
