Rajnath Singh felicitated nine women officers in New Delhi for successfully completing Samudra Pradakshina, India's first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition

¨     Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated nine women officers in New Delhi on 30 July 2026 for successfully completing Samudra Pradakshina, India's first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.

¨     The expedition was undertaken aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.

¨     The crew covered approximately 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans in 314 days.

¨     The mission demonstrated the courage, endurance, and joint operational capability of women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.

¨     The expedition was virtually flagged off from the Gateway of India, Mumbai, on 11 September 2025.

¨     The crew successfully completed the voyage and was virtually flagged in at Mumbai on 22 July 2026.

¨     A global circumnavigation requires sailing across all meridians of longitude and crossing the Equator at least once.

¨     During the expedition, the crew crossed the Equator twice and also crossed the International Date Line, fulfilling the requirements for a global circumnavigation.

The voyage included rounding the Three Great Capes:

¨     Cape Leeuwin (Australia)

¨     Cape Horn (South America)

¨     Cape of Good Hope (South Africa)

The crew also sailed through the Drake Passage, located between Cape Horn and Antarctica.The Drake Passage is considered one of the world's most challenging sea routes due to its strong winds, powerful ocean currents, and rough seas.By rounding Cape Horn and crossing the Drake Passage, the crew earned membership in the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners.Cape Horners is a traditional title awarded to sailors who successfully navigate around Cape Horn by sea.The expedition marked India's first Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing mission, highlighting the increasing role of women in the Armed Forces.It strengthened tri-service cooperation, promoted maritime adventure, and showcased India's commitment to women's empowerment, leadership, and operational excellence.