Historic! Indian Armed Forces’ all-women sailing team to circumnavigate the globe

​In a remarkable display of courage and national pride, Indian women officers are set to chart a historic course across the world’s oceans. In a pioneering expedition, 10 women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force will embark on a nine-month journey covering over 26,000 nautical miles across the world aboard the indigenously-built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.

The 50-foot indigenously-built IASV Triveni, constructed in Puducherry, departed from Mumbai and will traverse treacherous waters and harsh winds. The crew will cross the Equator twice and round the three great Capes including Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope. Moreover, the journey will cover major oceans including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage.

The expedition includes four scheduled port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Cape Town (South Africa). The crew is set to return to Mumbai by May 2026.

The 10-member crew includes:

• Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar – Expedition Leader

• Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju – Deputy Expedition Leader

• Major Karamjeet Kaur

• Major Omita Dalvi

• Captain Prajakta P Nikam

• Captain Dauli Butola

• Lieutenant Commander Priyanka Gusain

• Wing Commander Vibha Singh

• Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev

• Squadron Leader Vaishali Bhandari

Each officer has undergone rigorous training over three years, starting with smaller offshore expeditions on class B vessels before progressing to the class A IASV Triveni, acquired in October 2024.

As per reports, the crew will collaborate with the National Institute of Oceanography to conduct scientific research, focusing on micro-plastics, documenting marine life, and raising awareness about ocean health.

This historic expedition follows the successful circumnavigation by two Indian Navy women officers earlier this year and aims to further India’s legacy in maritime exploration.

This expedition represents a strong symbol of Nari Shakti, collective strength, and the unity of India’s three defence services. It reflects India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, military diplomacy, and global maritime vision.