Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday felicitated nine women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force for successfully completing the first-ever tri-services all-women global circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina. The officers completed the historic voyage aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, marking a significant achievement in India’s maritime and military history.

During an interaction with the team in New Delhi, Singh praised the officers for completing the 314-day expedition that covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. He described the mission as a symbol of “Nari Shakti” and highlighted it as an example of jointness, coordination and synergy among the three armed forces.

The women officers shared their experiences of the challenging voyage, stating that the expedition tested their physical endurance, mental strength and leadership abilities. They said their determination to represent the country and complete the mission helped them overcome difficult conditions during the long journey.

Also Read: Rajnath Singh Launches Mega Bike Expedition Ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026

Singh said the success of Samudra Pradakshina had challenged traditional perceptions about women’s participation in demanding military operations. He praised the crew’s confidence and capabilities, stating that the mission demonstrated that physical strength, resilience and leadership qualities are not limited by gender.

Highlighting the importance of tri-service cooperation, the Defence Minister said officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force sailed together under a single mission and represented India on a global platform. He also appreciated the team for showcasing the country’s indigenous technology, engineering capabilities and maritime expertise during international port visits.

The IASV Triveni crew was virtually flagged in by Rajnath Singh in Mumbai on July 22, 2026, after the expedition began with the flag-off ceremony conducted through video conferencing on September 11, 2025. The mission was completed after nearly two years of preparation, including extensive training, planning and support from multiple organisations.

The expedition met internationally recognised standards for global circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, crossing the International Date Line and rounding the three major capes — Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. The crew also successfully navigated the challenging Drake Passage and earned membership in the prestigious Cape Horners community.

Apart from its maritime achievement, Samudra Pradakshina also strengthened India’s defence diplomacy efforts. Through port visits across different countries, the team showcased India’s cultural heritage, maritime traditions and military professionalism while promoting goodwill and deeper defence relations with partner nations. Senior military officials, including Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other top officers from the three services, attended the interaction.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Launches India's Largest Passenger Vehicle Plant in Gujarat