All-women sailing expedition team completes 3,334-km voyage (Photo: Defence Ministry)
New Delhi: The triservice all-women sailing expedition team returned home on Wednesday, after completing a groundbreaking 1,800-nautical-mile (around 3,334-kilometre) international oceanic voyage to Seychelles. The historic expedition, launched on April 7, marks the first international open-sea sailing mission by an all-women team from the Indian armed forces.
The expedition was ceremonially flagged in by Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, commandant, College of Military Engineering, in Mumbai. He hailed the mission as a milestone in the journey of gender-inclusive operational excellence. Applauding the courage and determination of the team, he emphasized the growing role of women as key contributors to the armed forces’ operational strength.
Aboard the indigenously built Indian Armed Services Vessel “Triveni” – a 56-foot sailing yacht, the team of 11 women officers from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force navigated nearly two months of challenging open-sea conditions. Enduring tropical squalls, rough sea states and extended fatigue, the crew demonstrated exceptional endurance and unflinching resolve.
The crew included Lieutenant Colonel Anuja, Major Karamjeet, Major Tanyah, Captain Omita, Captain Dauli and Captain Prajakta from the Army. Lieutenant Commander Priyanka represented the Navy, while Squadron Leader Vibha, Squadron Leader Shraddha, Squadron Leader Aruvi, and Squadron Leader Vaishali represented the Air Force.
During its stopover in Seychelles, the crew participated in a series of high-level defence and diplomatic engagements, including formal interactions with the Seychellois minister of foreign affairs, the chief of combined defence staff, and the high commissioner of India to Seychelles. These events served to strengthen maritime diplomacy and further India’s strategic partnership with the Indian ocean island nation.
India’s defence observers see this achievement as more than a sailing feat by the Indian armed forces. They say it is not just a celebration of “Nari Shakti” (women’s empowerment) but also a shining example of triservice synergy.
