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Current Affairs

Samudra Pradakshina: India's First All-Women Tri-Service Sailing Circumnavigation

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An Indian Armed Forces initiative, the Samudra Pradakshina expedition, involves a 10-member all-women crew from the Army, Navy, and Air Force sailing the IASV Triveni—a 50-foot yacht built indigenously in Puducherry—on a historic global circumnavigation mission. Flagged off from Mumbai on September 11, 2025, the voyage covers approximately 26,000 nautical miles over nine months, including crossing the Equator twice and rounding three great capes: Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America), and Cape of Good Hope (Africa). The mission exemplifies Nari Shakti (women empowerment), tri-service unity, Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), and India's maritime diplomacy. The crew is expected to complete their expedition and return to Mumbai by May 2026 after four international port calls.

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Key Facts

  • Expedition Name: Samudra Pradakshina
  • Vessel: IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built indigenously in Puducherry
  • Crew Composition: 10 women officers from Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force
  • Flag-off Date and Venue: 11 September 2025, Gateway of India, Mumbai
  • Route: Approximately 26,000 nautical miles on an eastward path, crossing the Equator twice
  • Major Capes Rounded: Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America), Cape of Good Hope (Africa)
  • Duration: About 9 months; anticipated completion by May 2026
  • Leadership: Lt Colonel Anuja Varudkar (Expedition Leader), Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju (Deputy Expedition Leader)
  • Significance: World's first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, symbolizing women empowerment, tri-service cooperation, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and military diplomacy.

Background & Context

The Samudra Pradakshina expedition is a pioneering maritime venture by the Indian Armed Forces demonstrating operational synergy among Army, Navy, and Air Force through an all-women crew. The IASV Triveni yacht was designed and constructed indigenously amid the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reflecting India's growing self-reliance in defence technology. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually flagged off the voyage, heralding it as a manifestation of Nari Shakti, military discipline, resilience, and India's expanding global maritime vision. The crew trained intensively for over two years before commencing the voyage, which encounters some of the most challenging maritime conditions including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

  • Current Affairs & General Studies: Highlights India’s strides in military reforms, women empowerment, indigenous defence manufacturing, and international maritime engagement.
  • Geography: Practical application of oceanic navigation, including knowledge of major global capes significant in sailing and circumnavigation.
  • Polity & Governance: Reflects central government initiatives in defence, highlighting Nari Shakti and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • International Relations: Demonstrates India’s military diplomacy through strategic port calls and global maritime presence.

Points to Remember

  • The IASV Triveni expedition began on 11 September 2025 from Mumbai.
  • The crew consists of 10 women officers representing the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • The yacht is a 50-foot indigenously built vessel symbolizing Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • The expedition crosses the Equator twice and rounds three great capes: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Route length is approximately 26,000 nautical miles with four international port calls before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.
  • Leadership includes Lt Colonel Anuja Varudkar and Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju.
  • The expedition is noted for resilience against some of the most challenging maritime environments including the Southern Ocean and Drake Passage.
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