Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (July 30, 2026) felicitated nine women officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force for successfully completing the country’s first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition — ‘Samudra Pradakshina’. He described their achievement as a shining example of Nari Shakti and jointness among the armed forces.

According to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Singh spoke to the officers in New Delhi and commended them for completing the 314-day voyage aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. They sailed nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.

He said the expedition would inspire generations of Indians and demonstrate the power of determination, courage and teamwork.

The women officers shared their experiences of navigating some of the world’s most challenging waters, noting that despite immense physical and mental hardships, their commitment to making the nation proud kept them motivated throughout the mission.

Shattered stereotypes

Praising their resilience, Mr. Singh said the expedition had shattered stereotypes about the role of women in demanding military operations. “You have proven that physical ability, 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 said.

Calling the mission a landmark in Tri-Service integration, the Defence Minister noted that officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force sailed together under a common mission, reflecting the growing synergy among the three Services. He also lauded the team for showcasing India’s indigenous capabilities, engineering excellence, and technological advancements during port calls across several countries, thereby strengthening military diplomacy and goodwill.

The Minister virtually flagged in the expedition on July 22, having originally flagged off the mission through video conferencing on September 11, 2025.

The voyage fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, traversing 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 Drake Passage, earning membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners.

Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, and Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar were present during the interaction.

Published - July 30, 2026 11:26 pm IST