Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, a nine-month global sailing expedition led by 10 women officers from India’s armed forces.
MUMBAI: In a historic first, India has launched the world’s first all-women tri-service sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, from Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually flagged off the voyage on 11 September, calling it a shining tribute to Nari Shakti and the unity of India’s Armed Forces.
Ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will sail aboard IASV Triveni, a 50-foot Indian Army Sailing Vessel indigenously built in Puducherry. Over the course of nine months, the crew will cover 26,000 nautical miles, crossing the Equator twice and navigating some of the world’s toughest waters including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage. Their route will take them through Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa) before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.
Defence Minister Singh praised the mission as more than a sailing challenge. “This voyage represents courage, discipline, and the indomitable spirit of Indian women,” he said. He also highlighted IASV Triveni as a reflection of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, showcasing India’s growing defence innovation and self-reliance.
The crew, led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar and Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju, has undergone years of rigorous preparation, including expeditions along India’s western coastline and a recent international voyage from Mumbai to Seychelles. Their journey will not only test seamanship and endurance but also contribute to scientific research. In collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography, the officers will study microplastics, record ocean biodiversity, and raise awareness on ocean health.
For Mumbai, the expedition is more than just a flag-off. It reaffirms the city’s enduring role in India’s maritime history and global connectivity, while sending a strong message of women’s empowerment and national pride on the world stage.
