• India has launched Samudra Pradakshina, the country’s first-ever tri-service all-women circumnavigation expedition.
• The mission involves sailing around the globe, crossing all longitudes and major oceans, while adhering to the World Sailing Speed Record Council’s norms for a true circumnavigation.
• The expedition builds upon India’s legacy of global sailing feats, from Capt. Dilip Donde’s first Indian solo circumnavigation (2009–10) and Cmde. Abhilash Tomy’s non-stop circumnavigation (2012–13) to the Indian Navy’s all-women voyages aboard INSV Tarini—Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18) and Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25).
• Inspired by global pioneers like Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the mission reflects both continuity and progress in India’s maritime journey.
• The expedition aims to showcase Nari Shakti by highlighting the courage, resilience, and leadership of women in uniform, while also promoting jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• It will serve as a platform for military diplomacy through international port calls and contribute to oceanic scientific research in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), focusing on micro-plastics, marine biodiversity, and ocean health.
• The voyage will be undertaken aboard IASV Triveni, a 50-foot indigenous Class A yacht built in Puducherry. The planned route spans approximately 26,000 nautical miles on an easterly course, crossing the Equator twice and rounding the iconic Capes—Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope.
• The all-women crew of 10 officers is led by Lt Col Anuja Varudkar (Army) and Sqn Ldr Shraddha P Raju (Air Force).
• Scheduled between September 2025 and May 2026, Samudra Pradakshina is set to become a landmark in India’s maritime and military history, blending adventure, science, and diplomacy under the spirit of national pride and women empowerment.