New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday felicitated the nine women officers from the Indian Armed Forces who successfully completed ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, India’s first tri-service all-women global sailing expedition, aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. Congratulating the crew in New Delhi, the Defence Minister hailed their 314-day, 25,500-nautical-mile voyage across four oceans as a shining symbol of Nari Shakti, courage, and jointness among the three services.

‘Samudra Pradakshina’ Will Inspire Every Indian

Interacting with the officers, Rajnath Singh said that Samudra Pradakshina is not merely a sailing expedition but a powerful reflection of the synergy between the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, as well as the growing strength of women in the armed forces.

He described the mission as an inspiration for future generations, especially young women, saying that the crew’s determination and resilience had demonstrated India’s growing confidence and capability.

Breaking Stereotypes Through Determination

The Defence Minister praised the officers for challenging long-held stereotypes about women’s participation in demanding military operations.

“You have proved that physical strength, mental resilience, and leadership are beyond gender. Every daughter of India can now believe that she too can cross oceans and achieve the impossible,” he said.

A True Example of Tri-Service Integration

Calling the mission an outstanding example of tri-service integration, Rajnath Singh said officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force sailed together under one flag to accomplish a common mission.

He added that the expedition reaffirmed the belief that no objective is beyond reach when India’s armed forces work together with unity and purpose.

Showcasing India’s Indigenous Strength

The Defence Minister also appreciated the crew for showcasing India’s engineering excellence, indigenous capabilities, and technological progress during visits to ports across the world.

He said the expedition sent a strong global message that India is fully capable of competing with the world’s best in technology, maritime excellence, and innovation.

Crew Shares Their Experience

The women officers shared their experiences from the challenging voyage, recalling harsh weather conditions, long stretches at sea, and demanding physical and mental challenges. They said their commitment to carrying the Indian Tricolour across the world’s oceans kept them motivated throughout the journey, making it one of the proudest moments of their careers.

Historic 314-Day Circumnavigation

The Samudra Pradakshina mission was flagged off on September 11, 2025, and concluded successfully on July 22, 2026, when IASV Triveni returned to Mumbai after completing its global circumnavigation.

Backed by nearly two years of rigorous preparation and a dedicated shore-based support network, the expedition successfully crossed all longitudes, crossed the Equator twice, traversed the International Date Line, and rounded the world’s three great capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.

Membership of the Prestigious Cape Horners

The crew successfully navigated the treacherous Drake Passage and rounded Cape Horn, earning membership in the prestigious Cape Horners fraternity—an honour reserved for sailors who have successfully navigated one of the world’s most challenging sea routes.

Strengthening Defence Diplomacy

Beyond its maritime achievement, Samudra Pradakshina also served as a significant platform for defence diplomacy. During port calls across multiple countries, IASV Triveni showcased India’s rich cultural heritage, maritime traditions, military professionalism, and enduring values, while strengthening goodwill and cooperation with friendly nations.

The interaction was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, and several senior officers from the three armed services.