Rajnath Singh Felicitates All-Women Tri-Service Sailing Crew
Defence Minister says historic 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition showcases Nari Shakti and Tri-service jointness
- Rajnath Singh felicitates nine women officers of IASV Triveni crew.
- Team completes first-ever all-women Tri-service circumnavigation expedition.
- Voyage covered 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans in 314 days.
- Defence Minister says mission inspires women and highlights India’s maritime capabilities.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th July: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday felicitated the nine women officers of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force who successfully completed the country’s first-ever all-women Tri-service circumnavigation sailing expedition, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’, aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
Interacting with the officers in New Delhi, Singh praised the team’s courage and determination in completing the 314-day voyage covering nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans. He described the expedition as a shining example of Nari Shakti and Tri-service jointness, saying it would inspire every Indian.
The women officers shared their experiences of the challenging expedition, saying their commitment to making the nation proud enabled them to overcome immense physical and mental hardships throughout the journey.
Rajnath Singh said the expedition had shattered stereotypes suggesting women could not undertake demanding military missions. He told the officers that they had demonstrated that physical capability, mental toughness and leadership are not determined by gender, adding that every daughter of India could draw inspiration from their achievement.
Calling the mission a model of Tri-service synergy, the Defence Minister said officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force sailed together under one flag and one mission, proving that no challenge is insurmountable through teamwork.
He also commended the crew for showcasing India’s engineering excellence, indigenous capabilities and technological advancements during their visits to friendly nations, saying they had conveyed the message that India is second to none in any field.
The expedition was virtually flagged in by the Defence Minister on July 22 after he had flagged it off through video conferencing on September 11, 2025.
The mission fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for circumnavigation by crossing every meridian of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, traversing the International Date Line and rounding the Three Great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope.
The successful passage through the Drake Passage and around Cape Horn also earned the crew membership of the prestigious Cape Horners, a distinction awarded to sailors who navigate one of the world’s most challenging maritime routes.
Beyond its maritime achievement, the expedition also served as an instrument of military diplomacy by promoting India’s cultural heritage, maritime traditions and military professionalism during port calls across the world.
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 other senior military officers were present during the interaction.
