By Gitika Sharma
Samudra Pradakshina, the first Tri-services all women sailing adventure across the world, was digitally launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The 50-foot yacht, Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni is crewed by ten female officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The group is going to travel close to 26,000 nautical miles in a course of nine months, passing the three main Capes (Good Hope, Horn, and Leeuwin), making two equatorial crossings, and crossing the world’s major oceans, including the Southern Ocean and the treacherous Drake Passage. The journey will stop at Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cape Town, South Africa; Fremantle, Australia; and Lyttleton, New Zealand before heading back to Mumbai in May 2026.
Officials said the trip is an expression of ‘Nari Shakti’ and reflected the government’s belief in military unity. It was also seen as a combination of India’s larger ambitions of independence and global engagement with military discipline and tenacity.
Even though the officers might face many obstacles, the defense minister emphasized that their determination will ensure success. He said that the objective included a significant spiritual search, personal resiliency, and adventure.
Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju is the deputy to Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, who is in charge of the ten-member crew. Majors Omita Dalvi and Karamjeet Kaur, Captains Prajakta P Nikam and Dauli Butola, Lieutenant Commander Priyanka Gusain, Wing Commander Vibha Singh, along with Squadron Leaders Aruvi Jayadev and Vaishali Bhandari.
After three years of intense training, the crew advanced from Class B vessels on smaller offshore trips to the Class A Triveni. In addition to the journey, the officers will work with the National Institute of Oceanography to carry out scientific research, such as studying microplastics, documenting marine animals, and raising awareness of marine health.
The accomplishment of Navy officers Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, who traveled around the world in double-handed mode on INSV Tarini in May 2025, was also commemorated by the minister. He claimed that the current expedition would further solidify India’s standing as a marine adventure destination and represent yet another significant turning point in the history of women in uniform.