New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday felicitated nine women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force who successfully completed the first-ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, onboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
Interacting with the officers in New Delhi, the Defence Minister praised the team’s courage, resilience and determination in completing the 314-day voyage, during which they sailed nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. He described the expedition as a powerful symbol of Nari Shakti and an outstanding example of Tri-service jointness and synergy that would inspire every Indian.
The officers shared their experiences with Rajnath Singh, describing the demanding expedition as both memorable and rewarding. They said their unwavering commitment to making the nation proud kept them motivated throughout the journey, enabling them to overcome immense physical and mental challenges. The Defence Minister remarked that their dedication had inspired him and reinforced his own resolve, adding that determination and conviction can help achieve even the most challenging goals.
Calling the officers’ capability and confidence “incredible”, Rajnath Singh said the successful completion of ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ had shattered stereotypes suggesting that women cannot undertake demanding military missions.
“You have proven that physical capability, mental toughness and leadership qualities are not bound by gender. Every daughter in India can look at you and believe that she, too, can cross oceans and conquer the world,” he told the officers.
Highlighting the significance of the mission, the Defence Minister described the expedition as a shining example of Tri-service jointness, noting that officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force sailed together on a single vessel under one flag in pursuit of a common mission.
“The expedition is a testament to the fact that no horizon is too vast to conquer if we move forward together,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also commended the team for showcasing India’s engineering excellence, indigenous capabilities and technological advancements during port calls in various countries. He said the expedition conveyed a strong message to the world that India is second to none in any field.
The interaction was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, and other senior officers of the three Services.
The team aboard IASV Triveni was virtually flagged in by Rajnath Singh in Mumbai on July 22, 2026, while the Defence Minister had also attended the flag-off ceremony through video conferencing on September 11, 2025.
The landmark mission was accomplished through nearly two years of intensive training, meticulous planning, round-the-clock shore-based support and the coordinated efforts of multiple organisations and support agencies. The expedition fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for a global circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, crossing the International Date Line, and rounding the Three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
The crew also successfully navigated the challenging Drake Passage and rounded Cape Horn, earning membership in the prestigious Cape Horners, an exclusive fraternity of sailors who have conquered one of the world’s most demanding maritime routes.
Beyond its maritime achievement, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ served as an important mission of military diplomacy. During port calls across the globe, IASV Triveni showcased India’s rich cultural heritage, maritime traditions, military professionalism and enduring values while strengthening goodwill and defence ties with friendly nations.