A pioneering tri-services expedition comprising twelve women officers from the Indian armed forces returned to India on 4 June after completing a challenging 1,800-nautical-mile circumnavigation voyage to Seychelles and back, enduring tropical squalls, fatigue, and rough sea states over nearly two months.
Launched from Mumbai on 7 April, the expedition was the first-ever international open-sea sailing mission by an all-woman Indian military team, conducted aboard the indigenously-built 56-foot sailing yacht Triveni.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, eleven women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force navigated the open sea for nearly two months, showcasing “exceptional endurance and unflinching resolve”.
The team faced formidable weather conditions, including tropical squalls and high-sea states, the ministry said, adding that the voyage reflected not just operational skill but also the deep commitment of women in the armed forces to challenging roles at sea.
The expedition was formally flagged in by Lieutenant General A.K. Ramesh, Commandant of the College of Military Engineering, at Mumbai. Hailing the voyage as a “milestone in the journey of gender-inclusive operational excellence”, he lauded the determination and grit of the all-woman crew.
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“The growing role of women as key contributors to the armed forces' operational strength is evident. This expedition is an example of that promise,” Lt Gen Ramesh said.
The voyage from Mumbai to Seychelles and back, the statement said, served not only to highlight the empowerment of women in defence services, but also to honour the memory of India’s legendary warrior queens such as Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Durgavati, and Rani Lakshmi Bai.
The crew included Lt Col Anuja, Maj Karamjeet, Maj Tanyah, Capt Omita, Capt Dauli, and Capt Prajakta from the Indian Army; Lt Cdr Priyanka from the Navy; and Sqn Ldr Vibha, Sqn Ldr Shraddha, Sqn Ldr Aruvi, and Sqn Ldr Vaishali from the Air Force.
"As India continues to expand its maritime footprint and capabilities, the successful completion of this voyage serves as a symbol of the armed forces' commitment to excellence, equality, and strategic vision—led proudly by its women warriors on the high seas," the statement read.
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