Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today hailed the IASV Triveni all-women circumnavigation expedition as a historic moment in India’s history, which will be remembered by future generations with pride. Mr Singh virtually flagged off the ‘Samudri Pradakshina’ expedition, the first-ever tri-services all-women crew, comprising 10 women officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, embarking on a circumnavigation mission onboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni from the historic Gateway of India in Mumbai today.
Speaking on the occasion, he asserted that this mission is a testament to India’s advancements in every sector, from the heights of the sky to the depths of the oceans. He stated that this is not just a mission but a symbol of the collective might of all three armed forces. He congratulated the crew, saying that this expedition reflects their discipline and willpower, and when they return, they will have achieved a historic feat, a golden chapter for the whole country.
Highlighting the difficulties the crew is about to encounter during the voyage, Mr Singh expressed confidence that their strong will to achieve this goal would help them overcome every challenge. He said this crew would take the bravery and valour of Indian women beyond all borders. He noted that, along with demonstrating India’s maritime might on the open seas, this expedition would also serve as a diplomatic mission, as the crew is scheduled to halt at four ports where they will hold interactions with the Indian diaspora and others.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh also joined Mr Singh via video conferencing.
Led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, the crew includes five Army officers, one Naval officer and four Air Force officers. During this nine-month-long voyage, the crew will sail more than 26,000 nautical miles, crossing the equator twice and rounding the Three Great Capes: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. They will cover all the major oceans and some of the most dangerous waters, including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage, and will visit four foreign ports before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.
