In a historic moment for India’s armed forces, the country’s first tri-services all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ was flagged off from Mumbai. A 12-women tri-services crew set off on a 55-day, 4,000-nautical mile voyage to Seychelles and back aboard IASV Triveni.
Lt. Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering, officiated the ceremony at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre in Colaba.
Samudra Pradakshina celebrates legacy and prepares for more
The 12-member crew, comprising women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, will embark on a challenging 55-day voyage spanning 4,000 nautical miles from Mumbai to Seychelles and back aboard the IASV Triveni.
In a proud and historic moment, Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering (CME), flagged off the All Women Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition #SamudraPradakshina from the INWTC, Mumbai.
The event marked the ceremonial launch of a first-of-its-kind 4000… pic.twitter.com/gmPSBa0rTU— HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) April 7, 2025
Selected from 41 volunteers, these officers underwent rigorous training for two years in ocean sailing, preparing them to navigate treacherous waters while demonstrating their resilience and determination.
More than just a maritime mission, the expedition pays tribute to legendary warrior queens like Rani Lakshmi Bai and Rani Durgavati, symbolising the grit and resilience of women in uniform. It also serves as a precursor to an even more ambitious global all-women sailing expedition planned for 2026. The team is expected to return to Mumbai for the flagging-in ceremony on May 30, 2025.
This initiative highlights the indomitable spirit of ‘Nari Shakti’ and reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in maritime endeavours.
