Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 11, 2025, virtually flagged off ‘Samudra Pradakshina’—the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition—from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The nine-month voyage, commemorating Nari Shakti and Viksit Bharat, will see 10 women officers sail aboard the indigenously built 50-foot Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni across 26,000 nautical miles, covering major oceans and four international port calls before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.

Calling the expedition a “glowing symbol of Nari Shakti” and a testament to jointness among the three Services, Singh praised the officers’ determination and highlighted the vessel as an embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He said the journey reflects India’s military diplomacy, endurance, and global vision.

The officers will sail an easterly route crossing the Equator twice, rounding the Capes of Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope, and navigating challenging waters including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage. The international port calls will include Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada) and Cape Town (South Africa).

Top military leaders including Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan and service chiefs were present at South Block during the virtual ceremony, while senior naval officials attended the flag-off at the Gateway of India.