NEW DELHI: India marked a historic milestone in its maritime and defence journey on Wednesday as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that IASV Triveni is a true embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, following the successful completion of the country’s first-ever Tri-Service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina. The expedition concluded after a remarkable 314-day voyage, during which nine women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force sailed nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans before returning safely to Mumbai.
The expedition was officially flagged in by Rajnath Singh through video conferencing on July 22, 2026. The mission had originally been flagged off virtually by the Defence Minister on September 11, 2025, from Mumbai.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Indigenous Strength
Addressing the ceremony, Rajnath Singh praised the successful completion of the expedition and highlighted the significance of the indigenously built 50-foot Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
“IASV Triveni is an embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The indigenously built vessel has showcased India’s technical prowess, innovation, and self-confidence. The vessel stands as a testament to India’s engineering excellence, indigenous capability, and strategic confidence,” he said.
He stated that the mission reflected India’s growing confidence in indigenous defence capabilities while demonstrating that locally designed and built platforms can successfully accomplish some of the world’s toughest maritime challenges.
Symbol of Nari Shakti and New India
The Defence Minister described Samudra Pradakshina as much more than a sailing expedition. According to him, it symbolises the strength of Indian women, national determination, and the success of integrated military operations.
He called the expedition a celebration of Nari Shakti, saying it represented the spirit of a New India where women continue to break barriers and lead from the front in every sphere.
Rajnath Singh said the courage displayed by the nine women officers would inspire generations of young Indians, especially women aspiring to serve in the armed forces.
“The expedition has proved that human courage is much greater than any storm. Ocean waves may rise high, but the spirit of India’s daughters soars higher,” he remarked.
He added that women in India are creating opportunities, accepting new challenges, and writing inspiring chapters in the country’s history.
Historic Voyage Across the Globe
The expedition successfully fulfilled all internationally accepted criteria required for a complete circumnavigation of the globe.
During the 314-day journey, IASV Triveni crossed every meridian of longitude, crossed the Equator twice, sailed across the International Date Line, and rounded the world’s three legendary capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
One of the mission’s greatest achievements was successfully navigating the dangerous Drake Passage, known for some of the roughest seas and strongest ocean currents anywhere in the world.
By safely rounding Cape Horn, the crew earned membership in the internationally respected Cape Horners fraternity, a prestigious recognition reserved for sailors who conquer one of the world’s most demanding maritime routes.
Nearly Two Years of Preparation
Officials said the expedition’s success was the result of extensive planning and preparation over nearly two years.
The crew underwent rigorous sailing, navigation, emergency response, and endurance training before embarking on the mission.
Throughout the expedition, a dedicated 24-hour shore-based support team, along with multiple defence organisations and technical agencies, continuously monitored the vessel and provided operational support whenever required.
The planning ensured that the crew remained safe while successfully overcoming severe weather conditions, long ocean crossings, and multiple operational challenges.
Tri-Service Jointness on Display
The expedition brought together officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force under one mission, demonstrating the growing importance of joint operations within India’s armed forces.
Living, training, and sailing together for over ten months, the officers functioned as a single integrated team, highlighting seamless coordination, interoperability, and shared leadership.
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Rajnath Singh said the expedition demonstrated that jointness is far more than an organisational concept.
“At a time when the world is discussing joint operations, integrated commands, and multi-domain warfare, IASV Triveni has demonstrated the importance of jointness. Capability multiplies when there is coordination. Victory paves its own path when the three forces march together,” he stated.
He added that the mission would be remembered as a symbol of unity among India’s three armed services working towards a common national objective.
Strengthening India’s Global Presence
Beyond its operational success, Samudra Pradakshina also served as an important diplomatic mission.
During port visits across several countries, IASV Triveni showcased India’s maritime heritage, military professionalism, cultural traditions, and technological capabilities.
The Defence Minister described the vessel as India’s floating ambassador, saying it strengthened goodwill with friendly nations while enhancing India’s international image.
He noted that these overseas visits contributed significantly to India’s growing soft power, reflecting the country’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and maritime partnerships.
Senior Defence Leadership Attends Ceremony
The flag-in ceremony was attended by several senior military leaders and international defence representatives.
Among those present in New Delhi were Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Director General Integrated Training Lieutenant General Ajay Ramdev, along with defence delegates from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa.
Meanwhile, at Mumbai’s Gateway of India, senior military officers, veterans, and the families of the crew gathered to welcome IASV Triveni home after its historic global voyage.
The successful completion of Samudra Pradakshina marks a defining moment for India’s armed forces, highlighting the country’s growing maritime capability, indigenous defence strength, women’s leadership, and the effectiveness of Tri-Service integration. With IASV Triveni completing one of the most demanding sailing missions undertaken by an Indian military crew, the expedition has secured its place as a landmark achievement in India’s defence and maritime history.
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