India has created history with the inspiring journey of the Tri-Service Women Crew aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. The all-women team of officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force is sailing from Cape Town to Mumbai after completing a major part of their global circumnavigation mission named Samudra Pradakshina. The expedition started on 11 September 2025 and is expected to end in June 2026.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Tri-Service Women Crew on a Historic Mission

The Tri-Service Women Crew includes 10 women officers from the three wings of the Indian Armed Forces. This mission is considered India’s first all-women tri-service circumnavigation voyage. The team has shown courage, discipline, and teamwork during the long sea journey.

The expedition is led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, while Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju serves as the Deputy Expedition Leader.

IASV Triveni and Its Journey

IASV Triveni is a 50-foot sailing yacht built in Puducherry. The vessel began its journey from Mumbai and has already covered more than 23,000 nautical miles by 8 May 2026. The complete mission is expected to cover over 43,000 kilometres across the oceans.

During the voyage, the crew stopped at several international locations, including Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Cape Town.

Major Ocean Routes and Navigation

The Samudra Pradakshina expedition follows one of the world’s challenging ocean sailing routes. During the mission, the crew is expected to cross the equator twice and sail around three famous capes.

These important capes are:

Cape Leeuwin
Cape Horn
Cape of Good Hope

These routes are well known in global maritime history and are often used in long-distance circumnavigation voyages.

A Proud Moment for India

The Tri-Service Women Crew mission highlights the growing role of women in India’s defence forces. The successful journey of IASV Triveni reflects India’s strength in adventure sailing and military cooperation between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The expedition also promotes leadership, endurance, and women empowerment on an international level.

What is Circumnavigation?

Circumnavigation means travelling completely around the Earth by sea, air, or land. In sea voyages, sailors pass through major oceans and important capes to complete the global route.

The Samudra Pradakshina mission has become an important milestone in India’s maritime and defence history.