Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honoured nine women officers of the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni after they completed a historic global circumnavigation [1].
The achievement marks the first time a tri-services all-women crew has successfully sailed around the world. This milestone highlights the evolving role of women in India's military operations and their capacity for high-endurance maritime expeditions.
The crew returned to Mumbai on July 22, 2026 [2]. The voyage lasted 314 days [1], during which the sailors crossed four oceans and rounded three Great Capes [1]. The expedition was designed to test the crew's endurance and technical skill in some of the most challenging waters on Earth.
Singh described the crew members as "brave daughters of India" during the welcoming ceremony [1], he said.
"I am proud of the crew's courage and determination," Singh said [2]. He said "the spirit of India's daughters soars high" following the successful completion of the mission [1].
The IASV Triveni voyage required precise coordination between the different branches of the armed forces. The nine officers managed all aspects of navigation, and vessel maintenance throughout the nearly year-long journey. This feat is the first of its kind for a tri-services team, combining personnel from the army, navy, and air force to achieve a single maritime objective.
“the spirit of India's daughters soars high”
This expedition represents a strategic shift in the Indian military's approach to gender integration. By successfully completing a 314-day circumnavigation, these officers have demonstrated that all-women crews can manage the most grueling operational environments, potentially paving the way for more women to serve in frontline maritime and endurance-based roles across the tri-services.
