First Tri-Service All-Women Circumnavigation Sailing Expedition Flagged Off

The first ever Indian tri-service all-women sailing expedition christened the Samudra Pradakshina was initiated by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Gateway of India, Mumbai. It is a historic trip, a major milestone in gender equality and teamwork on the military front of nine months, and will include 10 female officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force on the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni. It will be a 26,000 nautical mile trip that will see the crossing of the Equator twice and around three great Capes: Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.

Key Details of the Expedition

• Participants: 10 women officers were selected in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Ship: Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
• A 50-foot locally-constructed yacht.
• Route:
• Overall length will be 26,000 nautical miles.
• Traverse of the Equator twice.
• The Three great Capes of Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope- rounded out.
• Expiry period: Nine months, which is May 2026.

Symbolism and Significance

The Samudra Pradakshina pilgrimage reflects some of the main values:

• Gender Equality: The expedition is an empowerment of women (nari shakti) in India, demonstrating the importance of females in leadership and breaking the gender barriers of the military.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: The fact that it uses a local vessel emphasises the way India is dedicated to self-reliance and the development of local technologies.
• Military Collaboration: The tri-service concept is an example of the integration and collaboration of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and it strengthens inter-service collaboration in performing complex missions.
• Global Perspectives: The expedition reveals the growing strategic presence of India on the international arena as well as its intentions to develop its influence globally.

Armed Forces contribution.

• The strength of combined operations between the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, is made evident in the Samudra Pradakshina expedition. 
• Such cooperation proves that the consolidation of resources and expertise at the various branches is effective, but it also indicates the importance of a common approach to the challenges. 
• The mission is a strong reminder of how India is increasingly capable of both national defense, as well as international diplomacy.

Conclusion

The Samudra Pradakshina is a historic occasion in Indian history, which symbolized the empowerment of women, the power of inter-service cooperation, and the self-reliance of the nation in terms of technology and defense. As an example of leadership, innovation, and gender inclination in the field of national security and international relations, this mission can be mentioned to the UPSC aspirant. Another point that comes to light in the expedition is the technological development of India and how it became a self-sufficient and a global player