9 Indian Women Complete World’s First Tri-Services Circumnavigation
Our take
The recent completion of the world’s first all-women tri-services circumnavigation by nine Indian officers—representing the Army, Navy, and Air Force—is a noteworthy achievement, extending beyond a simple display of nautical skill. It underscores a broader shift in global perspectives on leadership, capability, and the integration of diverse talent within traditionally male-dominated fields. The expedition itself, requiring meticulous planning and rigorous training, highlights the logistical and operational complexities of maritime navigation, particularly when undertaken across vast distances and varied oceanic conditions. Recognizing the geopolitical context, this accomplishment arrives at a time of escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region; it’s instructive to consider this in light of China Says It ‘Will Not Forget’ Indian Military’s Rescue Of 12 Chinese Crew After Cargo Ship Fire, demonstrating India’s capacity for both humanitarian action and sophisticated maritime operations. The successful execution of this circumnavigation reinforces India's evolving role as a significant maritime power, capable of projecting influence and safeguarding its strategic interests.
The implications extend beyond national pride and military demonstration. The success of this all-women team challenges ingrained biases within the maritime sector, an area historically characterized by limited female representation. This achievement serves as an undeniable validation of the capabilities of women in roles demanding resilience, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment—attributes essential for navigating the complexities of ocean-based operations. Furthermore, the circumnavigation underscores the importance of cross-service collaboration, a crucial element for effective maritime security and disaster response. Consider the current challenges in global shipping, for example, with disruptions to trade routes, as highlighted by Asian Refiners Seek To Move Saudi Crude Via Suez Canal Route After Houthi Naval Blockade. Integrated, multi-service teams are increasingly vital for maintaining stability and responding to unforeseen events. The Indian Navy’s demonstrated capability, further emphasized by the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, as illustrated by Philippines Accuses China Coast Guard Of Firing Water Cannon For 2nd Straight Day Near Scarborough Shoal, underscores the value of a diverse and well-trained maritime force.
The meticulous calibration of logistics and navigation required for such a voyage generates valuable empirical data concerning oceanic currents, weather patterns, and potential hazards. These real-time observations, if integrated into a comprehensive ocean intelligence system, could contribute significantly to improved maritime safety, resource management, and climate modeling. The longitudinal nature of the circumnavigation—spanning weeks and crossing multiple climate zones—provides a unique opportunity to collect calibrated data points crucial for refining predictive models. Such data, when incorporated within an integrated data ecosystem, can enhance our understanding of the interconnectedness of oceanic systems and their response to global climate change. The expedition’s journey, from orbit to ocean floor, serves as a tangible demonstration of the potential for technological innovation to drive scientific discovery and advance maritime capabilities.
Looking forward, a critical question remains: will this achievement catalyze broader systemic change within the Indian armed forces and the global maritime community? While symbolic gestures are important, sustained progress requires institutional reforms that actively promote gender equality and inclusivity. The measurable impact of this event will depend on whether it translates into tangible opportunities for women in maritime professions and a commitment to fostering a more diverse and representative workforce. The validation presented by this circumnavigation is a powerful starting point, but the true test lies in the long-term integration of these lessons and the continued advancement of ocean stewardship through collaborative, inclusive efforts.
Nine women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force made history as they sailed into Mumbai after completing the world’s first all-women tri-services global circumnavigation.
The remarkable feat was achieved by Sqn Ldr Shradha P. Raju, Wg Cdr Vibha Singh, Sqn Ldr Vaishali Bhandari and Sqn Ldr Aruvi Jayadev from the Air Force, Lt Cdr Priyanka Gusain from the Navy and Maj Karamjeet Kaur, Maj Omita Dalvi, Maj Prajakta Nikam and Lt Col Anuja Varudkar from the Army.
The 314-day Samudra Pradakshina expedition covered 25,500 nautical miles across 4 oceans and rounded the 3 Great Capes.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who had flagged off the expedition, addressed the crew via video link during the flag-in ceremony, where they were received by Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar.
The team for this voyage was selected from dozens of volunteers and involved 2 years of preparation, after which they also went on a 4000 nm qualifying trip to the Seychelles.
The voyage was completed aboard the IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry.
To meet international circumnavigation criteria, the yacht crossed the Equator twice, traversed every meridian of longitude, and rounded Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
The journey included 4 international port calls, including stops in Fremantle, Australia, and Cape Town, South Africa.
The team faced its toughest conditions in the Southern Ocean, battling 8 to 12 m swells and sub-zero wind chills through the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties.
In December, they crossed the International Date Line in the Southern Ocean, marking the longitudinal halfway point.
After navigating the dangerous Drake Passage, the crew rounded Cape Horn in February. After this, the team crossed the Equator northbound into the Indian Ocean and then sailed back to Mumbai.
In 2009 and 2010, Commander Dilip Donde completed India’s first solo circumnavigation aboard INSV Mhadei.
In 2013, Commander Abhilash Tomy achieved the first solo, non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation by an Indian.
In 2018, the Navy’s Navika Sagar Parikrama saw 6 women officers complete an all-women circumnavigation aboard INSV Tarini.
Recently, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A. completed a two-handed global circumnavigation on INSV Tarini, and earned the Shaurya Chakra.
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