New Delhi, 03 August (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu said the achievement of the all-women crew of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, which successfully completed the ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ expedition, would inspire the nation's youth, especially young women, to dream big and dedicate themselves to serving the country.

The President met the all-women crew of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. The team called on the President after successfully completing the ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ Tri-Services Global Sailing Expedition.

According to Rashtrapati Bhavan, nine women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force completed a voyage of more than 25,000 nautical miles over 314 days. During the expedition, the crew navigated four oceans, sailed through some of the world's most challenging maritime routes, rounded Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope, and fulfilled all international criteria required for a global circumnavigation.

Commending the courage, resilience, determination and exceptional professional competence of the all-women crew, President Murmu said the expedition stands as a powerful example of the capability, leadership and resolve of Indian women. She noted that this historic accomplishment would encourage the country's youth, particularly women, to strive for greater heights and actively contribute to nation-building.

Notably, ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ is India's first all-women Tri-Services global circumnavigation expedition involving the Army, Navy and Air Force. The mission aimed to showcase Nari Shakti, the joint operational capabilities of the three armed forces, and India's maritime strength. The expedition commenced from the Gateway of India in Mumbai on September 11, 2025. Aboard the indigenously built Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni, the crew completed a journey of approximately 25,500 nautical miles in 314 days before returning to Mumbai on July 22.

During the expedition, the crew sailed across four oceans, crossed the Equator twice, and rounded the world's three great capes—Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America, and the Cape of Good Hope in Africa—thereby fulfilling all internationally recognised standards for a global circumnavigation.

The expedition was led by Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, while Squadron Leader Shraddha P. Raju served as the Deputy Expedition Leader. The crew comprised nine women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar