In a landmark moment for India’s defense and maritime history, ten women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force are set to embark on a global sailing expedition covering more than 26,000 nautical miles. The mission, a first-of-its-kind for the Indian Armed Forces, will begin on September 11, 2025, from the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai, and will showcase the spirit of Nari Shakti, tri-service unity, and India’s growing maritime capability.

A Symbol of Tri-Service Synergy: The IASV Triveni

The expedition will be undertaken aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, a 50-foot indigenously built yacht from Puducherry. The name “Triveni” signifies the confluence of the three services — Army, Navy, and Air Force, symbolizing the spirit of jointness and synergy that underpins the mission.

The IASV Triveni is not just a vessel but a statement of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Designed for long-distance maritime operations, the yacht is equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems and has already logged over 10,000 nautical miles in training voyages. With its proven endurance, the vessel is now ready to take on the formidable challenge of circumnavigating the globe.

The Trailblazing Crew: Breaking New Barriers

This pioneering team of ten officers includes:

• Five from the Indian Army

• One from the Indian Navy

• Four from the Indian Air Force

It marks the first time in history that the Indian Armed Forces are jointly leading a circumnavigation mission, making the endeavor not just a sailing expedition but a milestone in India’s maritime journey. Most significantly, this is also the first-ever all-women tri-services circumnavigation team, setting a precedent for future generations of women in uniform.

The Journey: 26,000 Nautical Miles Across Oceans

The officers will sail over 26,000 nautical miles during the nine-month mission, which is scheduled to conclude in May 2026. Their route will include:

• Crossing the Equator twice

• Rounding the Three Great Capes — Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope

• Navigating some of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions, including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage

The voyage will cover all the major oceans of the world and include four foreign port calls before the crew returns triumphantly to Mumbai.

IASV Triveni – All Women Sailing Expedition Around the Globe🌍⚓

In a historic first, ten women officers from the Indian Army, Navy & Air Force are set to embark on a Tri-Service circumnavigation mission onboard Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. Covering 26,000+… pic.twitter.com/kLwBPfOUaa— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 7, 2025

Training: Two and a Half Years of Preparation

This mission is the culmination of two and a half years of intense training and preparation. The officers underwent:

• Basic and intermediate blue-water sailing courses

• Navigation and communication drills

• Scuba diving and water survival exercises

• Basic medicals and first aid training

They were mentored by expert instructors from the Heavy Bridging Training Camp (HBTC) in Marve. To further hone their skills, the crew successfully completed a training expedition to Seychelles, gaining firsthand experience of handling the vessel in international waters.

Building on a Legacy of Women-Led Expeditions

This ambitious mission builds on India’s expanding legacy of women-led naval and sailing expeditions. Earlier in April 2025, a pioneering all-women tri-services crew had already sailed from Mumbai to Seychelles and back, covering nearly 3,600 nautical miles over 55 days. That expedition, completed on the IASV Triveni, was a first-ever tri-service women-led voyage, and it laid the foundation for the upcoming circumnavigation mission.

The upcoming journey, however, is far more demanding and ambitious. While the Seychelles voyage tested endurance and teamwork, this global circumnavigation will push the boundaries of navigation, seamanship, resilience, and human determination.

More Than a Voyage: A Celebration of Nari Shakti and Atmanirbhar Bharat

The Indian Army, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), aptly described the significance of the expedition:

“This all-women expedition is not just about sailing – it is a milestone in India’s maritime journey, showcasing #NariShakti in uniform, Tri-Service unity and the spirit of adventure.”

Indeed, the expedition represents more than the act of circumnavigating the globe. It is a celebration of women’s empowerment in uniform, a demonstration of tri-service collaboration, and a symbol of India’s maritime confidence. The IASV Triveni, with its indigenous design and construction, further embodies the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, showcasing India’s ability to build and deploy world-class maritime assets.

The crew will face extreme conditions — from towering waves in the Southern Ocean to the unpredictable currents of the Drake Passage. These regions are notorious for testing even the most seasoned sailors. Yet, the mission aims to prove that with training, determination, and teamwork, India’s women officers can meet and conquer nature’s toughest challenges.

Inspiring Future Generations

This mission is more than just a maritime achievement — it is a story of inspiration. By venturing into uncharted waters and setting records, these ten women officers will inspire not only future generations of women in the armed forces but also young Indians across the country to dream big and push boundaries.

The upcoming all-women tri-services circumnavigation expedition is a historic chapter in India’s maritime and defense journey. Covering 26,000 nautical miles across major oceans, crossing the Equator twice, and sailing past the world’s three great capes, this mission is a fusion of courage, resilience, and national pride.

It is a voyage that blends the strength of Nari Shakti, the spirit of tri-service unity, and the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. When the IASV Triveni sets sail from Mumbai on September 11, 2025, it will carry with it not just ten extraordinary officers, but the aspirations of a nation ready to leave its mark on the world’s oceans.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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