New Delhi, July 28 (IANS) Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh interacted with the nine-member crew of IASV Triveni on Tuesday.
The crew comprised four women officers from the IAF, four from the Indian Army, and one from the Indian Navy. They successfully completed Samudra Pradakshina, the historic tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.
During the expedition, the crew sailed nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans in 314 days. ACM Singh congratulated them on their landmark achievement, commending their courage, resilience, professionalism, and exemplary tri-service spirit.
The expedition was flagged in on July 22, 2026, through video conferencing by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It had been virtually flagged off by the Defence Minister on September 11, 2025, from Mumbai.
After flagging off the expedition, Singh described it as a testament to India’s Nari Shakti, a symbol of the nation’s resolve, proof of tri-service synergy and jointness, and a celebration of ‘New India’ that overcomes challenges to script history.
The success of the mission was made possible through meticulous planning, nearly two years of intensive training, a dedicated 24×7 shore-based support network, and the commitment of numerous organisations and support agencies.
The expedition fulfilled all internationally recognised criteria for circumnavigation by crossing all meridians of longitude, crossing the Equator twice, crossing the International Date Line, and rounding the Three Great Capes, Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope.
The successful passage through the formidable Drake Passage and rounding of Cape Horn earned the crew membership of the prestigious fraternity of Cape Horners, an honour reserved for sailors who conquer one of the world’s most demanding maritime passages.
The Defence Minister commended the courage and determination of the crew, stating that the expedition proved human courage is greater than any storm.
“Ocean waves may rise high, but the spirit of India’s daughters soars higher,” he said, highlighting that women are creating opportunities, leading from the front, and writing their names in history.
The expedition showcased the strength of integrated planning, seamless interoperability, and shared leadership.
Living, training, and sailing together for over ten months, the crew functioned as one cohesive team, demonstrating that jointness is not merely an organisational concept but a force multiplier that enhances operational effectiveness and national capability, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
–IANS
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