Tri-service women sailors complete historic global voyage

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh flagged in the expedition through video conferencing as the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni returned to Mumbai on 22 July 2026.

India's first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, has successfully concluded after a 314-day voyage covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans, marking a major milestone for the country's armed forces and showcasing the growing role of women in military leadership.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh flagged in the expedition through video conferencing as the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni returned to Mumbai on 22 July 2026. The mission, which began on 11 September 2025, brought together nine women officers from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force on a single global sailing expedition.

Landmark mission highlights tri-service cooperation

Congratulating the crew, Rajnath Singh described the expedition as a powerful example of Nari Shakti, national resolve and the strength of joint operations among India's three armed services.

The voyage fulfilled all internationally recognised requirements for circumnavigation by crossing every line of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, sailing across the International Date Line and rounding the Three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope.

The team also navigated the challenging Drake Passage and rounded Cape Horn, earning membership in the prestigious Cape Horners, a distinction awarded to sailors who successfully complete one of the world's toughest maritime routes.

Months of preparation behind the achievement

The Ministry of Defence said the expedition was the result of almost two years of intensive training, detailed planning and continuous support from a dedicated shore-based team that operated throughout the voyage.

Living and working together for more than ten months, the women officers demonstrated seamless coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force. Rajnath Singh said the expedition proved that jointness is not merely an organisational principle but a force multiplier that strengthens operational capability and national security.

He added that while oceans may present enormous challenges, the courage and determination shown by the crew reflected the confidence and leadership of India's women.

Voyage strengthens India's global outreach

Beyond its sailing achievements, Samudra Pradakshina also served as a platform for military diplomacy during port visits around the world. According to the Defence Ministry, IASV Triveni showcased India's maritime traditions, cultural heritage and military professionalism while strengthening goodwill with partner nations.

The Raksha Mantri also highlighted that the 50-foot indigenously built IASV Triveni represents the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, demonstrating India's growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding and engineering.

Senior military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, and Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, attended the ceremony along with defence representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa. Military officials, veterans and the families of the crew gathered at Mumbai's Gateway of India to welcome the team home.