Raksha Mantri Honours All-Women Tri-Service Crew of INSV Triveni for Circumnavigation
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh honoured the nine women officers of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force who successfully completed the first all-women tri-service circumnavigation expedition 'Samudra Parikrama' aboard INSV Triveni. The expedition showcases women empowerment, tri-service integration, and indigenous capabilities.
Background
The expedition began on 11 September 2025 from Mumbai and concluded on 22 July 2026 after 314 days. The crew covered about 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans, crossing all lines of longitude, the Equator twice, the International Date Line, and three great capes (Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, Cape of Good Hope).
Key facts
Nine women officers from Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force completed the first all-women tri-service circumnavigation 'Samudra Parikrama' aboard INSV Triveni.
The 314-day voyage covered approximately 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.
The crew crossed the Equator twice, the International Date Line, and three great capes: Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and Cape of Good Hope.
Successfully navigated the treacherous Drake Passage and rounded Cape Horn, earning membership in the prestigious 'Cape Horners' community.
The expedition served as a tool of military diplomacy, visiting ports worldwide and showcasing India's engineering excellence and indigenous capabilities.
The mission involved meticulous planning, two years of intensive training, and 24/7 shore-based support.
Raksha Mantri flagged off the expedition virtually on 11 September 2025 and welcomed the crew on 22 July 2026.
The achievement breaks stereotypes about women's ability to undertake tough military operations.
Prelims pointers
- INSV Triveni: Indian Navy Sailboat (Indian Army Sailing Vessel) used for the expedition.
- Samudra Parikrama: Name of the all-women tri-service circumnavigation expedition.
- Cape Horners: Prestigious community for sailors who round Cape Horn.
- Drake Passage: Known for treacherous seas, located between South America and Antarctica.
- Tri-service integration: Joint operation involving Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Date: 30 July 2026 (honouring event); expedition started 11 Sep 2025, ended 22 Jul 2026.
- Raksha Mantri: Rajnath Singh.
- Chief of Army Staff: General Dheeraj Seth (as per text).
- Defence Secretary: Rajesh Kumar Singh.
- Vice Chief of Air Staff: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit; Vice Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral Ajay Kochar.
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of the all-women tri-service circumnavigation in promoting gender equality and women empowerment in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Analyze how 'Samudra Parikrama' exemplifies tri-service integration and its implications for joint operations and military diplomacy.
- Evaluate the role of indigenous capabilities and technological advancements showcased by India through such expeditions in enhancing national prestige.
- Critically examine the challenges faced by women in combat roles and how this expedition breaks stereotypes.