The Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, crewed entirely by six women officers from the Indian Armed Forces, has successfully completed the first leg of its pioneering global circumnavigation expedition, marking a historic milestone. This expedition, named Mission Samudra Pradakshina, is the world’s first Tri-Service All Women Circumnavigation Expedition, symbolizing the strength, unity, and joint capabilities of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.
On Monday, Triveni arrived at the Australian city of Perth, where it was warmly welcomed at the Fremantle Sailing Club by Kajari Biswas, the Indian Consul General in Perth, along with the Australian Defence Advisor. This reception underscored the strong diplomatic and defence ties between India and Australia. According to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, after a brief period of rest, recuperation, and maintenance, the crew aboard IASV Triveni is preparing to embark on the next leg of their ambitious voyage. The expedition aims to cross the three major oceans, covering a total distance exceeding 26,000 nautical miles, as it circumnavigates the globe.
Mission Samudra Pradakshina was virtually flagged off from Mumbai on September 11 by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The flag-off ceremony was a significant event attended by senior military leaders including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. From South Block, Defence Minister Singh delivered a stirring address highlighting the expedition’s symbolism and importance.
In his speech, Minister Singh portrayed the voyage as a shining emblem of “Nari Shakti” — the power and valour of Indian women — and a testament to the collective strength, unity, and jointness of the three Armed Services. He emphasized that the expedition is not merely a physical journey across the seas but also a spiritual sadhana, representing discipline, perseverance, and willpower. Minister Singh acknowledged that the crew would inevitably face numerous challenges along the way but expressed confidence that their determination and courage would guide them through adversity and ensure their safe return. He proudly stated that this mission showcases the limitless valour and resilience of Indian women, inspiring the nation and the world alike.
The Defence Minister further underscored the expedition as a shining example of the Indian government’s commitment to fostering jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. He explained that such synergy and cooperation significantly strengthen the Armed Forces, making even the most daunting challenges manageable. The IASV Triveni itself, a 50-foot yacht indigenously built in Puducherry, was hailed by Singh as a symbol of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). The vessel embodies India’s growing confidence in defence innovation, indigenous technology, and strategic autonomy. Every nautical mile sailed by Triveni, he asserted, is a step forward on India’s path to self-reliance and enhanced military diplomacy.
The all-women crew representing the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces brings a powerful message of empowerment and progress. Their journey is dedicated to commemorating “Nari Shakti” — the strength and achievements of Indian women — while aligning with the vision of “Viksit Bharat,” a developed and self-reliant India. The expedition thus serves multiple purposes: it is a demonstration of women’s leadership and capabilities in challenging environments, a celebration of India’s maritime heritage, and a strategic exercise that enhances the country’s global military presence and diplomacy.
The voyage is designed to traverse the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, testing the mettle of the crew through various climatic and navigational challenges. This arduous journey demands not only exceptional sailing skills but also mental toughness, endurance, and the ability to work seamlessly as a team under pressure. The crew’s successful arrival in Perth marks a significant accomplishment, validating their training, preparation, and the robust design of the IASV Triveni.
The Indian High Commission in Canberra has expressed its support for the expedition and highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening India’s international relations, particularly with countries like Australia, where the crew is currently docked. The warm welcome extended to the team echoes the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Looking ahead, after undergoing maintenance and allowing the crew some well-deserved