Ten women officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force will circumnavigate the globe on the indigenously built yacht IASV Triveni, starting September 11. The expedition will cover 21,600 nautical miles and is expected to conclude in Mumbai by May 2026.
Team Composition and Training
The crew includes five Army officers, one Naval officer, and four Air Force officers. Over the past two and a half years, they trained intensively, including a 10,000-nautical-mile preparatory expedition to Seychelles. Training focused on navigation, communication, scuba diving, first aid, crisis management, fatigue handling, weather interpretation, and mechanical skills.
Leadership and Experience
Squadron Leader Shraddha Raju, with 11 years of experience as a technical officer on Sukhoi-30 aircraft, said the mission will showcase the power of India’s tri-services. Expedition leader Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, a 21-year veteran, highlighted the unique skills each officer brings and the synergy between the three services.
Expedition Challenges
The journey includes crossing the equator twice and rounding the three Great Capes: Cape Leeuwin (Australia), Cape Horn (South America), and the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa). Navy spokesperson Captain Mehul Karnik noted that navigating the Drake Passage, known for rough seas and strong currents, will be the most challenging segment.
International Engagement
The expedition will stop at four foreign ports—Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa. Lt. Commander Priyanka Gusain of the Navy, with eight years of experience, added that the mission will engage with the Indian diaspora and strengthen diplomatic relations.
Triveni: An Atmanirbhar Bharat Project
The 50-foot IASV Triveni yacht, built indigenously in Puducherry, is equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems. Having completed 10,000 nautical miles of training, it is ready for the global circumnavigation.
Symbol of Nari Shakti
The mission is a landmark for India’s maritime journey and a shining example of Nari Shakti in uniform, highlighting the growing role of women in the armed forces.
