Commemorating women power and the vision of a developed India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (September 11, 2025) virtually flagged off a historic tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition — Samudra Pradakshina — from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. The expedition is the first of its kind in the world.
Addressing the gathering from South Block in New Delhi, Mr. Singh described the initiative, a first of its kind, as a glowing symbol of nari shakti (women power), the jointness of the armed forces, self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and India’s global vision.
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According to Ministry of Defence, over the next nine months, 10 women officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force will sail onboard the indigenously-built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. They will follow an easterly route covering nearly 26,000 nautical miles, crossing the Equator twice and rounding the three great Capes — Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope. They will return to Mumbai in May 2026.
Terming the expedition a “spiritual sadhana” and a journey of discipline and will-power, the Minister said: “Our officers may face numerous challenges, but their flame of determination will pierce through the darkness. They will return safely, proving that the valour of Indian women knows no limits.”
