Historic All-Women Tri-Services Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, Begins 55-Day Voyage.
New Delhi:
In a groundbreaking initiative that highlights the indomitable spirit of Nari Shakti (women power), the Samudra Pradakshina expedition, India’s first-ever tri-services all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, has set sail from Mumbai to Seychelles and back. The ambitious 55-day voyage was flagged off on April 7, 2025, by Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering (CME), from the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai.
The expedition, led by a 12-member all-women crew from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, will cover a challenging 4,000 nautical miles aboard the IASV Triveni. The crew is tasked with navigating the vast, unpredictable waters, as they embark on an adventurous journey through some of the most treacherous seas in the world. This voyage marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime history, as the expedition aims to promote gender parity in maritime pursuits.
The Samudra Pradakshina expedition serves as a preparatory phase for an even more ambitious circumnavigation sailing mission scheduled for 2026. The selected women officers, chosen from a pool of 41 volunteers, have undergone rigorous training over two years to prepare for the challenges of ocean sailing. Their training included several complex expeditions, gradually increasing in both distance and difficulty, overcoming numerous challenges like extreme weather, mechanical issues with the yacht, and the physical toll of long, relentless days at sea.
This pioneering initiative also pays homage to India’s legendary warrior queens—such as Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati, and Rani Lakshmi Bai—whose courage and leadership continue to inspire generations. The expedition symbolizes the empowerment of women in the armed forces and showcases their resilience, determination, and leadership in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men.
The expedition is expected to conclude on May 30, 2025, when the crew will be welcomed back in a flagging-in ceremony, marking the successful completion of this historic voyage.
This journey not only strengthens India’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in maritime endeavors but also underscores the growing role of women in the nation’s defense forces. The success of Samudra Pradakshina reaffirms that Nari Shakti is a powerful, unstoppable force, capable of overcoming any challenge, no matter how vast or daunting.
