India flagged off a landmark tri-services all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition named “Samudra Pradakshina” from Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai. The mission, involving brave women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, reflects India’s commitment to Nari Shakti (women empowerment) and gender parity in maritime operations.
Key Highlights
Expedition Name: Samudra Pradakshina
Flag-Off Location: Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai
Route: Mumbai → Seychelles → Mumbai
Duration: 55 days
Distance: 4,000 nautical miles
Vessel: IASV Triveni
Participants: 12-member all-women crew from the Army, Navy, and Air Force
Objectives of the Expedition:
- Empower Women in Armed Forces
- Promote Gender Parity in Maritime Operations
- Showcase India’s Naval Strength and Inclusivity
- Encourage Future Female Participation in Maritime Sectors
Flag-In Ceremony:
- Scheduled Date: May 30, 2025
- Significance: Will mark the successful completion of this historic voyage, celebrating a milestone in Indian defence and maritime history.
Training & Challenges Faced:
The women officers were trained across varied sailing conditions, including:
- Day-night sailing
- Mechanical and weather-related challenges
- Long-haul endurance tasks
Their training expeditions gradually increased in complexity and distance, ensuring high preparedness for oceanic navigation.
Significance and Purpose
Promoting Nari Shakti:
- Symbolises the courage, resilience, and capability of Indian women in uniform.
- Aims to inspire more women to take up challenging roles in defence and maritime domains.
Historic All-Women Crew:
- Selected from 41 volunteers across services.
- The crew underwent two years of rigorous ocean sailing training, including real-time simulations and challenging practice voyages.
Tribute to Warrior Queens:
- Pays homage to iconic Indian women leaders like Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati, and Rani Lakshmi Bai.
Preparatory Phase for 2026:
- The mission acts as groundwork for a planned circumnavigation of the globe in 2026, further raising the bar for women’s participation in defence exploration.