A tri-services all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, was flagged off on Monday from Mumbai for a voyage to Seychelles and back aboard the IASV Triveni. The expedition serves as a preparatory phase for an even more ambitious circumnavigation sailing mission planned for 2026.
The 12-member women crew, comprising personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, will undertake a challenging 55-day voyage covering 4,000 nautical miles.
The expedition was flagged off by Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering (CME), at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said this pioneering initiative highlights the indomitable spirit of Nari Shakti and aims to promote gender parity in maritime endeavours.
Selected from 41 enthusiastic volunteers, twelve women officers — rigorously trained for two years in ocean sailing — are set to navigate treacherous waters, demonstrating their resilience, courage, and determination on the high seas.
The crew has undertaken several training expeditions, gradually increasing in complexity and distance, including short and long voyages over multiple days and nights.
They have successfully overcome challenges such as adverse weather, mechanical issues with the yacht, and the physical toll of sailing, the MoD said, offering insight into their training before the expedition.
“The Mumbai-Seychelles-Mumbai expedition not only symbolises the empowerment of women in the armed forces but also pays tribute to India’s legendary warrior queens like Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati, and Rani Lakshmi Bai, whose deeds continue to inspire generations,” the MoD statement stated.
The flagging-in ceremony is scheduled for May 30, 2025, marking the successful completion of this groundbreaking voyage.