India’s First All-Women Tri-Services Expedition Completes Global Voyage
Jul 22, 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday virtually flagged in the successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina, the country’s first-ever all-women tri-services sailing expedition aboard IASV Triveni. Congratulating the crew, he said the historic mission not only circumnavigated the globe but also made millions of Indians proud.
Addressing the virtual ceremony, the Defence Minister said the expedition members served as ambassadors of India’s culture and democratic values during their visits to various countries, strengthening the nation’s soft power. He described IASV Triveni as a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat, reflecting India’s growing innovation, capability and self-reliance.
Highlighting the challenges faced during the voyage, Mr. Singh said the expedition showcased the extraordinary courage and mental resilience of India’s women, proving that their determination was greater than the mighty ocean waves. He added that the mission exemplified the unity, coordination and strength of the Army, Navy and Air Force working together.
Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also joined the event virtually.
The expedition, led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar with Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju as Deputy Expedition Leader, was flagged off from Mumbai’s Gateway of India on September 11, 2025. The crew completed a remarkable circumnavigation of the globe after sailing more than 25,500 nautical miles, crossing the Equator twice and rounding the three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. The team also traversed all longitudes and major latitudes, including the Southern Ocean, while following an open-ocean route without using the Panama or Suez canals before returning to Mumbai.
Other members of the expedition included Major Karamjeet Kaur, Major Omita Dalvi, Captain Prajakta Nikam, Lieutenant Commander Priyanka Gusain, Wing Commander Vibha Singh, Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev and Squadron Leader Vaishali Bhandari.
