In a first, Indian Armed Forces’ all-women sailing team to circumnavigate the globe

“We will be the forerunners of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni and showcase the power of Indian tri-Services, “ said Squadron Leader Shraddha Raju, who will be part of the all-women sailing team to circumnavigate the globe on IASV Triveni, set for expedition on September 11. 

Ms. Raju has 11 years of experience as a technical officer, who worked on Sukhoi-30 aircraft. In a first for the Indian Armed Forces, 10 women officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force are set for a sailing expedition to circumnavigate the globe on Triveni, covering 21,600 nautical miles. 

According to the expedition leader, Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, this is a milestone in India’s maritime journey and a shining example of Nari Shakti in uniform as the Indian Armed Forces are jointly leading a circumnavigation mission for the first time. With 21 years of experience in the Services, Lt. Col. Varudkar said, “The mission is basically the synergy between all three Services. We all bring distinct skill sets gained during our intense training to fulfil the mission.”

The team comprises five Army officers, one Naval officer and four Air Force officers, who went through training for the last two and a half years, including a training expedition to Seychelles, covering 10,000 nautical miles. 

“We were trained in several sections, including navigation, communication, scuba diving, basic medicals and first aid. Crisis handling, fatigue management, weather readings, and mechanical work were all part of the training,” said Captain Prajakta Nikam. 

The challenging part

The expedition will include crossing the equator twice and rounding the three Great Capes, i.e. Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. “The most challenging part for the team will be Drake Passage, known for rough seas and strong currents,” said Navy spokesperson Commander Mehul Karnik. 

The expedition is planned for eight to nine months, including a visit to four foreign ports — Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa — and returning to Mumbai in May 2026. 

Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built indigenously in Puducherry, is an embodiment of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Equipped with modern navigation and communication systems, it has already logged 10,000 nautical miles in training and is now set to take on the global challenge.

Naval constructor, Lt. Commander Priyanka Gusain, said, “We will be meeting the diaspora and, in a way, also strengthen our diplomatic relations.” Ms. Gusain has eight years of experience in the Navy.