Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday praised the courage and dedication of women in the Indian Armed Forces while attending the flag-in ceremony of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. The vessel returned after an extensive eight-month-long voyage titled Navika Sagar Parikrama II, during which it circumnavigated the globe with a two-member crew: Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K.
INSV Tarini docked at the Goa coast earlier in the day, marking the successful completion of its journey, which began on October 2, 2024, from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa. During his address, Defence Minister Singh applauded the bravery of the officers, noting the immense challenges involved in navigating vast ocean expanses over such a long duration.
“Around 25,000 nautical miles, equivalent to nearly 45,000 kilometers, were covered in eight months. Completing such a journey entirely at sea is a remarkable act of courage,” he said. Reflecting on the psychological resilience required for such an expedition, Singh added, “The loneliness you must have experienced is beyond words. People often feel alone even when surrounded by others. But you faced the vast, empty sea—where no human or even animals can be seen—for eight months. I understand that you must have faced many hardships.”
The Minister took the opportunity to highlight the increasing role of women in India’s armed forces, emphasising their contributions across all terrains and operations. “Today, the daughters of our country are fulfilling their responsibilities with distinction—from the icy heights of Siachen to the deep seas,” he stated. “The gates of the armed forces’ educational institutions have been opened to women.”
He pointed out the historic milestone achieved earlier this month, saying, “This month, 17 young women graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA). Women are now participating actively and effectively in all branches of the Indian Armed Forces.” Singh also praised women’s roles in recent military operations, adding, “During Operation Sindoor, women pilots and soldiers played a vital role in actions against terrorism in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”
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Earlier, on May 21, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi interacted with the crew of INSV Tarini while they were still at sea. At the time, the vessel had crossed the equator into the Northern Hemisphere and was on the final leg of its journey home.
In a post shared by the Indian Navy on X (formerly Twitter), the service wrote, “On 20 May, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi #CNS interacted with the crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama_II onboard INSV Tarini, having crossed over to the Northern Hemisphere and homeward bound on their final leg of the circumnavigation.” Admiral Tripathi commended the sailors for their exceptional skill and teamwork, expressing the Indian Navy’s and the nation’s pride in their accomplishment.
The final phase of the global voyage began with a ceremonial flag-off on April 15, from the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town, South Africa. The send-off was attended by several dignitaries, including the Officiating Consul General of India in Cape Town, the Defence Attaché of India to South Africa, RCYC Governing Council members, and representatives of the local Indian community.
INSV Tarini began this ambitious circumnavigation mission on October 2, 2024, as part of the Indian Navy’s efforts to showcase women's participation in maritime and national defense operations through the Navika Sagar Parikrama II initiative.
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