Samudra Pradakshina: A Historic Voyage of Determination, Unity and Skill

Mumbai, September 11, 2025: The Indian Armed Forces have embarked on a trailblazing maritime expedition with Samudra Pradakshina — the first-ever tri-services, all-women circumnavigation mission. Ten women officers drawn from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force set sail from the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai aboard the indigenously-built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, aiming to complete over 26,000 nautical miles over nine months of voyaging, across some of the world’s most challenging seas. This is more than a journey across oceans; it is a testament to unity, resilience and India’s evolving global presence.

Flagged off virtually by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, Samudra Pradakshina embodies “Nari Shakti, the joint strength of the three Services, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and military diplomacy with a global vision.” In his address, he highlighted the voyage as “a spiritual sadhana and journey of discipline and willpower.”

The journey will traverse all major oceans, cross the Equator twice, and round the Three Great Capes: Cape Leeuwin, Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Horn. The route also cuts through the Southern Ocean and the notoriously rough Drake Passage. The ship is expected to make four international port calls — at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada), Cape Town (South Africa) — before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.

Crew and Preparation

The expedition team consists of ten officers: five from the Army, four from the Air Force, and one from the Navy. The leadership is under Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, with Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju as Deputy Leader. Other members include Major Karamjeet Kaur, Major Omita Dalvi; Captain Prajakta P. Nikam, Captain Dauli Butola; Lieutenant Commander Priyanka Gusain; Wing Commander Vibha Singh; Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev; and Squadron Leader Vaishali Bhandari.

Over the past two and a half years, the team underwent rigorous training. Starting with offshore expeditions on Class B vessels, advancing through training in Seychelles, and culminating in command of the Class A yacht Triveni (acquired in October 2024), they have earned experience in navigation, communication, medical first aid, basic and intermediate blue-water sailing, and survival in harsh marine conditions.

Vessel & Technology

The vessel IASV Triveni is a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry under India’s push for indigenous capability. It is equipped with modern navigation, communication, and safety systems suited to long-distance blue water sailing. During training, Triveni has already logged more than 10,000 nautical miles under varying conditions.

Purpose Beyond Adventure

While maritime adventure is at its core, Samudra Pradakshina carries multiple strategic and symbolic weight:

• Women Empowerment & Breaking Stereotypes: The mission prominently displays the capabilities of women in uniform, taking on roles demanding extreme physical, technical, and psychological resilience.
• Tri-Service Jointness: Cooperation and unity among Army, Navy and Air Force in this mission highlight the integration and synergy that modern defence operations require.
• Scientific Research & Diplomacy: The expedition includes collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography for study of microplastics, marine biodiversity, and ocean health. Port calls are also meant to facilitate diplomatic outreach and cultural exchange.

Challenges Ahead

The mission is no small feat. Among the most daunting segments is rounding Cape Horn in the Southern Ocean during the austral summer (December-February), a region notorious for towering waves, freezing temperatures, unpredictable storms, and isolation. Sleep deprivation, psychological stress, equipment failures, and the constant battle with elements are all expected. Ensuring communication, navigation reliability, safety drills, and crew health will be critical throughout.

Legacy & Significance

India has previously celebrated female maritime feats such as the Navika Sagar Parikrama expeditions by the Indian Navy, but Samudra Pradakshina stands apart due to its multi-service, all-women composition, and the diplomatic, scientific, and symbolic layers of its mission. It reinforces India’s commitment to gender equality in the armed forces, indigenous defence manufacturing, and global maritime engagement.

As Triveni departs Mumbai’s harbour, she carries with her more than ten women officers. She carries a narrative of empowerment, excellence, and India’s evolving role on the high seas.