SAMUDRA PRADAKSHINA

Current Context: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh virtually flagged off ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ on 11 September 2025 from Mumbai — the world’s first Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.

 ABOUT SAMUDRA PRADAKSHINA

• Type: First-ever Tri-Service (Army, Navy, Air Force) all-women sailing circumnavigation expedition.
• Vessel: Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni – indigenously built.
• Team: 10 women officers from Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Route & Duration:
  • Will sail ~26,000 nautical miles on an easterly route.
  • Will cross Equator twice and round the three Great Capes: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and Cape of Good Hope.
  • Will cover all major oceans including the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage.
  • Expedition will last 9 months (Sep 2025–May 2026) with 4 international port calls.
• Scientific Component:
  • Will conduct research with National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
  • Study microplastics, document ocean life, and raise awareness on marine health.
• Norms: Will follow World Sailing Speed Record Council rules — must cross all longitudes, equator, and complete >21,600 nautical miles under sail alone (no canal or engine use).
• Challenge: Rounding Cape Horn in Southern Ocean (Dec 2025–Feb 2026) — considered the toughest test of seamanship.
• Indian Navy all-women circumnavigation expeditions on INSV Tarini.