In a groundbreaking feat of endurance, skill, and determination, two Indian Navy officers are returning home after successfully circumnavigating the globe aboard INSV Tarini. Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A covered 50,000 kilometers over eight months, relying solely on wind power aboard their sailing vessel.
Their return to Goa marks the completion of the second edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama, the Indian Navy’s all-women global circumnavigation initiative. The officers departed on October 2, 2024, and are expected to dock on May 29, 2025.
In recognition of their extraordinary achievement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will personally welcome them at the port—a gesture that reflects the significance of their mission and the rising stature of women in India’s armed forces.
A Journey of Courage Across Continents
Sailing a 17-meter-long, 5-meter-wide yacht without an engine, the officers braved high seas and unpredictable weather, crossing four continents, three oceans, and navigating past three major capes—Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America), and the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa). Their vessel did not traverse any canals or straits, emphasizing the purity and difficulty of the journey.
A particularly notable milestone was their successful crossing of Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth, situated in the South Pacific Ocean. Known as the “spacecraft graveyard,” the nearest human presence to this desolate area is typically aboard the International Space Station, orbiting approximately 400 km above Earth.
Years of Preparation for Eight Months at Sea
Before setting sail, Lt Cdrs Dilna and Roopa underwent three years of intensive preparation. Their training included long-distance sailing missions—from Goa to Mauritius, to Cape Town via Rio de Janeiro, and a journey to Port Blair—all designed to test their endurance and skill under challenging maritime conditions.
The Indian Navy invited volunteers for this mission, and after a rigorous selection process, these two officers were chosen. Their training also involved learning advanced medical techniques to manage emergencies at sea and mastering the maintenance of their wind-powered vessel, INSV Tarini.
A Symbol of Empowerment and Excellence
INSV Tarini’s voyage is not just a test of maritime prowess—it is a symbol of growing gender parity in India’s defence forces. This mission follows the trail blazed by six women naval officers who completed the first Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017, and builds upon the Navy’s vision of increasing the role of women in operational leadership.
By completing their circumnavigation from the same port where they began, the officers have met the strict international criteria for a full maritime circumnavigation.
