Defence Minister virtually flagged off Samudra Pradakshina from the Gateway of India, Mumbai– a historic first-of-its-kind tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition. It symbolizes Nari Shakti, jointness of the armed forces, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s global vision.
Samudra Pradakshina
Participants & Vessel
- Crew: 10 women officers from Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Vessel: IASV Triveni, a 50-foot indigenously-built yacht (Puducherry).
- Duration: 9 months (Sept 2025 – May 2026).
- Distance: ~26,000 nautical miles.
Route & Challenges
- Route: Eastward circumnavigation- crossing Equator twice.
- Will round the Three Great Capes:
- Cape Leeuwin (Australia)
- Cape Horn (South America)
- Cape of Good Hope (Africa)
- Will traverse Southern Ocean & Drake Passage – considered the most dangerous waters.
- Expedition follows World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) rules: minimum 21,600 nm under sail alone, no canal shortcuts or powered transit.
- Most challenging leg: Cape Horn (Dec 2025 – Feb 2026).
Life at Sea
- Crew operates in watch systems (e.g., 4 hrs on/4 hrs off).
- Roles: sail handling, navigation, cooking, repairs, and maintenance.
- Harsh conditions: freezing winds, huge swells, storms, and sleep deprivation.
Scientific Collaboration
- With National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
- Studies include: micro-plastics, ocean biodiversity, marine health documentation.
Port Calls
- Fremantle (Australia)
- Lyttelton (New Zealand)
- Buenos Aires (Argentina)
- Cape Town (South Africa)
- Return: Mumbai, May 2026.
Training
- Crew trained for 3 years:
- Began with offshore sailing in class B vessels.
- Advanced to class A yacht IASV Triveni (acquired Oct 2024).
Symbolism
- Motto: Women empowerment in armed forces, military diplomacy, and showcasing Indian culture abroad.
- Reflects jointness of Army, Navy & Air Force and India’s Aatmanirbhar defence manufacturing.
Background & Previous Indian Expeditions
Global Milestone
- Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (UK): First solo non-stop circumnavigation (1969).
India’s Milestones
- Capt. Dilip Donde (2009–10): First Indian solo circumnavigation.
- Cmde Abhilash Tomy (2012–13): First Indian non-stop solo circumnavigation.
- Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017–18): First Indian Navy all-women circumnavigation expedition aboard INSV Tarini.
- Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (2024–25): Second successful all-women expedition on INSV Tarini.
- May 2025: Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A completed double-handed circumnavigation (without external support) on INSV Tarini.
Strategic & Symbolic Significance
- Military Diplomacy: Showcases India’s armed forces abroad through port calls.
- Nari Shakti: Empowerment of women in all three services.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Use of an indigenously built yacht (IASV Triveni).
- Scientific Contribution: Adds to global oceanographic data.
- Global Recognition: Raises India’s profile in the sailing & exploration community.
Key Facts
- Circumnavigation by Sea: Sailing around the world using only wind and sail, considered a test of endurance, seamanship, and navigation.
- Gateway of India (Mumbai): Built in 1924, commemorates visit of King George V and Queen Mary (1911).
- World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC): Governs rules for global circumnavigation records.
- Three Great Capes:
- Cape Leeuwin → Australia’s SW tip.
- Cape Horn → Southern Chile, notorious for storms.
- Cape of Good Hope → South Africa’s southern tip.
- Drake Passage: Between South America & Antarctica, considered world’s roughest seas.
- Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV): Class-A yacht built in Puducherry, demonstrating India’s yacht-building capability.
- INSV Tarini: Second Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, used for women circumnavigation expeditions.
- Indigenous Circumnavigation Firsts:
- Capt. Dilip Donde – first solo (2009–10).
- Cmde Abhilash Tomy – first non-stop solo (2012–13).
- Tri-Service Jointness:
- A major defence reform goal of India.
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) role created in 2019 to enhance integration.