India will witness a moment of pride as the Indian Armed Forces launch their first all-women sailing team to circumnavigate the globe. Sailing on the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, a 50-foot indigenously built yacht, the expedition is set to cover 21,600 nautical miles in an eight to nine-month journey. This is not just another voyage; it is a groundbreaking milestone where women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force come together to demonstrate courage, skill, and synergy across the three Services.

The Route: Testing the Limits of Endurance

The circumnavigation will be nothing short of extraordinary. The team will cross the equator twice and sail past the three Great Capes: Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America, and the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. One of the toughest stretches will be the Drake Passage, a notoriously rough waterway between South America and Antarctica, known for strong currents and unpredictable weather. The mission will also include stopovers at four international ports—Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and South Africa—before returning to Mumbai in May 2026.

The Team: A Blend of Experience and Determination

The 10-member crew of IASV Triveni is a unique blend of five Army officers, one Naval officer, and four Air Force officers, each bringing a wealth of experience and diverse skills. Leading the mission is Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, a seasoned officer with 21 years of service. Among the team is Squadron Leader Shraddha Raju, with 11 years of experience as a technical officer on Sukhoi-30 aircraft. Adding another dimension, Lt. Commander Priyanka Gusain, a Naval constructor with eight years of service, emphasizes the mission’s diplomatic significance.This mission is not an overnight achievement. The officers have undergone intense training for two and a half years, preparing them to handle one of the most challenging expeditions possible. Their preparation included a 10,000-nautical-mile training voyage to Seychelles, honing both physical and mental resilience.

More than Sailing: A Symbol of Nari Shakti

This mission is more than a test of endurance; it is a powerful symbol of Nari Shakti (women power) in uniform. The fact that the Indian Armed Forces have come together for their first-ever joint circumnavigation mission, and that it is being led by an all-women crew, makes it historic. For the officers, this is not just about personal achievement but about inspiring a new generation of young women to dream beyond boundaries. It sends a strong message that women can lead, endure, and succeed in the toughest environments on Earth. 

Behind the uniforms and sailing skills are 10 women with stories of sacrifice and determination. Each of them has spent years in demanding roles, whether flying aircraft, working on ships, or commanding troops. This voyage is not only about conquering oceans; it is about conquering stereotypes and proving that leadership and strength have no gender. As the yacht sets sail across the oceans, it also carries with it the hopes and aspirations of millions of Indians who see in these women the courage to dream and the strength to achieve the impossible.