India Sets Sail with First All-Women Tri-Services Circumnavigation Voyage aboard IASV Triveni
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MUMBAI, 11 September 2025 — In a landmark move for gender equality and maritime achievement, India has launched its first ever tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, named Samudra Pradakshina. The voyage was flagged off virtually by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from New Delhi, as the ten-member crew from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force embarked from the Gateway of India, Mumbai.
Aboard the indigenously constructed Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, these ten women officers will sail more than 26,000 nautical miles over approximately nine months, with planned return to Mumbai in May 2026. Their route includes crossing the Equator twice, rounding the three great Capes (Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America, Cape of Good Hope in Africa), and navigating through some of the toughest waters on the planet including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage.
The expedition leader is Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, supported by nine other officers: Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju (Deputy leader), Majors Karamjeet Kaur and Omita Dalvi, Captains Prajakta P. Nikam and Dauli Butola, Lt. Commander Priyanka Gusain, Wing Commander Vibha Singh, Squadron Leaders Aruvi Jayadev and Vaishali Bhandari. They have undergone three years of rigorous training, beginning with shorter offshore missions and culminating in preparing aboard Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry.
Rajnath Singh described Samudra Pradakshina as “a glowing symbol of Nari Shakti,” showcasing Indian women’s resilience, the jointness of the three armed forces, and India’s maritime diplomacy and self-reliant defence capabilities. He noted that beyond the voyage’s physical challenges, it is set to foster international engagement through stopovers at foreign ports, where the crew will interact with diaspora communities and represent Indian culture.
As India pursues greater representation in defence and maritime spheres, Samudra Pradakshina stands as a milestone in the journey toward empowering women, projecting strength, and reinforcing India’s capabilities on global waters.
