New Delhi : Addressing the Flag-in Ceremony of the first-ever Tri-Services All-Women Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition ‘Samudra Prakramana’ through video conferencing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the expedition team and described the successful voyage of Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni as a landmark achievement for India.
Rajnath Singh congratulated the three women officers, the entire expedition team, and personnel from the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force for successfully completing the historic global circumnavigation expedition.
The Defence Minister said that IASV Triveni is not only a symbol of India’s maritime capability but also a vibrant representation of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
He highlighted that the vessel was designed and built in India, showcasing the country’s technological capabilities, indigenous innovation, engineering excellence, and growing confidence on the global maritime stage.
“Every nautical mile travelled by Triveni reflects India’s confident journey towards self-reliance,” Rajnath Singh said, adding that the vessel stands as a testament to India’s indigenous capabilities and strategic confidence.
‘You Have Not Only Circumnavigated the Earth, But Filled India With Pride’
Recalling the flag-off ceremony of IASV Triveni’s historic voyage, the Defence Minister said that when he had launched the expedition months ago, he had told the officers that they were not merely beginning a sea journey but embarking on a journey of India’s confidence.
He said that with the safe return of the officers, they had achieved much more than completing a maritime mission.
“You have not only circumnavigated the Earth but also filled the hearts of millions of Indians with pride,” Rajnath Singh said.
A Celebration of Women’s Courage and Tri-Services Jointness
The Defence Minister said that the Flag-in Ceremony was not merely a formal event but a celebration of India’s determination, the courage of Indian women, and the success of jointness among the three services.
He said the expedition represents a new India that does not stop in the face of challenges but overcomes them to create history.
“Some journeys do not merely cover distances; they write history. The journey of IASV Triveni is one such historic journey,” he said.
Women Officers Send Message of Unity and Strength to the World
Rajnath Singh said that history will not remember the mission merely as a maritime expedition but as a moment when women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, united under one flag, one resolve, and one mission, conveyed a powerful message to the world.
He said the expedition demonstrated that India’s strength lies in its unity, determination, and collective capability.
The successful completion of ‘Samudra Prakramana’ marks a significant milestone in India’s defence journey, highlighting women’s increasing participation in the armed forces and the nation’s commitment towards self-reliance and innovation.