In a landmark moment for gender inclusion in the Indian Armed Forces, the country’s first tri-services all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, “Samudra Pradakshina,” was flagged off today from the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba.
Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering, officiated the send-off ceremony for the 12-member crew, comprising women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The team will sail aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, undertaking a gruelling 55-day voyage covering approximately 4,000 nautical miles to Seychelles and back.
The expedition is more than a test of maritime skill—it’s a bold statement of empowerment and a tribute to the enduring spirit of Nari Shakti. It also marks a preparatory step toward a much more ambitious all-women global circumnavigation voyage planned for 2026.
Handpicked from a pool of 41 volunteers, the officers have undergone two years of rigorous ocean sailing training. Their preparation included a series of progressively challenging voyages, tackling rough weather, night navigation, mechanical issues, and the physical toll of life at sea. The team is now ready to put those hard-won skills to the test in one of the Indian military’s most daring gender-inclusive initiatives.
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
Trained under the rigorous mentorship of seasoned sailors at the Army Adventure Nodal Centre for Blue Water Sailing (AANC-BWS), these officers have undergone over a year of intense preparation. From novices to seasoned navigators, their journey included mastering sailing fundamentals, weather forecasting, emergency handling, and long-distance expedition planning.
Beyond its operational objectives, Samudra Pradakshina also serves as a tribute to India’s legendary warrior queens—Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati, and Rani Lakshmi Bai—whose legacies continue to inspire women in uniform.
The expedition is expected to conclude with a flag-in ceremony in Mumbai on May 30, marking the successful completion of a voyage that redefines the boundaries of what women in the armed forces can achieve.
Team BharatShakti
