Rajnath Singh Launches All-Women Tri-Service Sailing Expedition

Speedy Summary

• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh virtually flagged off the tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, Samudra Pradakshina, on September 11, 2025.
• The ceremony took place at Mumbai’s Gateway of India and marks a landmark event in global maritime history.
• The expedition involves 10 women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force sailing onboard the Indian Army Sailing vessel Triveni, an indigenously built 50-foot yacht.
• The nine-month journey spans approximately 26,000 nautical miles via an easterly route and includes crossing the Equator twice and rounding three major Capes: Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope.
• Participants are expected to return to Mumbai by May 2026.
• Rajnath Singh described this initiative as a celebration of women power (nari shakti), jointness in the armed forces, self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), and India’s global aspirations.
• Previous achievements such as Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K. and Rupa A.’s circumnavigation aboard INSV Tarini were also highlighted during his address.
• Chiefs of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan along with service heads attended virtually.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Samudra Pradakshina expedition symbolizes progress in women’s participation within traditionally male-dominated domains like defense forces while strengthening India’s stature globally through innovation in indigenous technology. With its focus on joint collaboration across military branches-Army, navy & Air Force-and reliance on homegrown systems like IASV Triveni, it reinforces India’s commitment to self-reliance under initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Moreover, the expedition demonstrates that maritime adventure is not only functional but also a platform reflecting national values such as discipline, courage & unyielding determination.

India’s emphasis on such symbolic undertakings could serve dual roles-international recognition for gender equality advancements along with projecting technological capabilities designed domestically-which are key elements shaping modern geopolitical discourse.

Read More: In a first: Indian Armed Forces’ all-women sailing team to circumnavigate globe