Historic Flag Off
India’s First All Women Tri Service Sailing Expedition: On 12 September 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off Samudra Pradakshina from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. This marked the launch of the world’s first all-women tri-service circumnavigation sailing expedition. Women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are part of the crew, symbolising nari shakti and the strength of joint military cooperation.
Mission Details
The voyage is being undertaken on the IASV Triveni, a 50-foot indigenously-built sailing vessel. The crew of 10 women officers will spend nine months circumnavigating the globe. Their journey will cover nearly 26,000 nautical miles on an easterly route.
They will cross the Equator twice and round the three great Capes—Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope. The return to Mumbai is expected in May 2026.
Static GK fact: The first successful solo circumnavigation of the globe was completed by Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition in 1522.
Global First Achievement
Samudra Pradakshina is not just India’s first attempt but also the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation expedition. The initiative underlines the synergy of India’s armed forces and sets a milestone in military jointness.
Static GK Tip: The Indian Armed Forces have three professional branches—Army (1895), Navy (1612), and Air Force (1932).
Women Empowerment in Forces
The mission highlights India’s commitment to women’s empowerment in the armed forces. It sends a strong message that Indian women are ready to take leadership roles in defence, adventure, and global outreach. The voyage also supports the government’s broader agenda of nari shakti in national service.
Push for Self Reliance
The use of the indigenously designed and built IASV Triveni reflects India’s progress in defence indigenisation. This is in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, demonstrating India’s ability to produce advanced maritime platforms without external dependence.
Static GK fact: India launched the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in May 2020 to boost self-reliance across sectors.
Wider Impact
The expedition will act as a role model for youth, particularly women aspiring to join the armed forces. It will also enhance India’s maritime presence by showcasing the country’s values during port visits across the world.
For the officers, the mission is a training ground for navigation, endurance sailing, survival, and leadership. Such exposure will strengthen India’s overall defence preparedness.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s First All Women Tri Service Sailing Expedition:
| Topic | Detail |
| Expedition name | Samudra Pradakshina |
| Flagged off by | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh |
| Flag off location | Gateway of India, Mumbai |
| Date of launch | 12 September 2025 |
| Type of mission | World’s first all-women tri-service circumnavigation sailing expedition |
| Vessel | IASV Triveni, 50-foot indigenous yacht |
| Crew strength | 10 women officers |
| Route highlights | Crosses Equator twice, rounds Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, Cape of Good Hope |
| Duration | 9 months, covering 26,000 nautical miles |
| Expected return | May 2026 |
