Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually flagged off 'Samudra Pradakshina,' the world's first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, from the Gateway of India, Mumbai on September 11, 2025. Ten women officers — five from Army, one from Navy, four from Air Force — will sail aboard the indigenously built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on an easterly route covering approximately 26,000 nautical miles over nine months (September 2025 – May 2026). The expedition, led by Lt. Col. Anuja Varudkar, will cross the Equator twice, round the three Great Capes (Leeuwin, Horn, Good Hope), and traverse all major oceans. The team will also conduct scientific research on micro-plastics in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography.
Samudra Pradakshina: India Launches World's First Tri-Service All-Women Circumnavigation Expedition
India launched Samudra Pradakshina — the world's first tri-service all-women circumnavigation — with 10 women officers sailing IASV Triveni for 26,000 nautical miles over 9 months, also conducting marine micro-plastics research with NIO.
Key facts
- India launched Samudra Pradakshina — world's first tri-service all-women circumnavigation.
- Ten women officers sailing IASV Triveni for 26,000 nautical miles over 9 months.
- Mission includes marine micro-plastics research with National Institute of Oceanography.
- Expedition represents all three armed services: Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Demonstrates India's commitment to women's role in defence forces.
- Historic achievement in global maritime exploration history.
6-axis classification
Appears in these topics
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Who leads the 'Samudra Pradakshina' all-women tri-service circumnavigation expedition flagged off in September 2025?
The expedition, involving 10 women officers from Army, Navy and Air Force, is led by Lt. Col. Anuja Varudkar and will last nine months crossing the three Great Capes.
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
What is Samudra Pradakshina and why is it historically significant?
Samudra Pradakshina is India's tri-service all-women circumnavigation expedition — the first of its kind in world history. Ten women officers representing all three armed services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) are sailing 26,000 nautical miles over 9 months aboard IASV Triveni, making it a landmark achievement in global maritime exploration.
Which vessel is being used for the Samudra Pradakshina expedition and how long is the voyage?
The expedition uses IASV Triveni, an Indian Armed Services Vessel. The crew of 10 women officers is covering approximately 26,000 nautical miles over a period of 9 months during the circumnavigation voyage.
What scientific research is being conducted during the Samudra Pradakshina expedition?
In addition to the circumnavigation, the crew is conducting marine micro-plastics research in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO). This scientific component adds an environmental dimension to the mission, contributing to global understanding of ocean pollution.
How does Samudra Pradakshina represent all three branches of India's armed forces?
Samudra Pradakshina is termed a 'tri-service' expedition because the 10 women officers aboard IASV Triveni represent all three arms of India's defence forces — the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force. This joint representation is a first in any circumnavigation voyage globally.
What does Samudra Pradakshina demonstrate about women's role in India's defence forces?
The expedition demonstrates India's growing commitment to integrating women into frontline and adventurous roles within the armed forces. By launching the world's first tri-service all-women circumnavigation, India has set a global precedent for women's participation in high-stakes military and maritime endeavours.
Was this useful?
Share corrections or missing exam angles with the editorial team.
Send feedback