Raksha Mantri flags-in first-ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition

Key Highlights:

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-in 'Samudra Pradakshina', the first Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.
• Nine women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force completed the 314-day voyage aboard Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
• The expedition covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles, fulfilling all international circumnavigation criteria.
• The crew earned membership of Cape Horners by successfully navigating the Drake Passage and rounding Cape Horn.
• The mission showcased Nari Shakti, Tri-service synergy, military diplomacy, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Detailed Insights:

• The expedition successfully crossed all meridians of longitude, the Equator twice, the International Date Line, and the Three Great Capes (Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and Cape of Good Hope).
• It demonstrated integrated planning, seamless interoperability, and shared leadership among the three services, enhancing operational effectiveness.
• During port calls globally, IASV Triveni acted as India's "floating ambassador," promoting cultural heritage, military professionalism, and strengthening 'soft power'.
• The indigenously-built 50-foot IASV Triveni embodies Aatmanirbhar Bharat, showcasing India's technical prowess and engineering excellence.
• Meticulous planning, two years of intensive training, and a dedicated 24x7 shore-based support network were crucial for the mission's success.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Samudra Pradakshina: The first-ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition by Indian armed forces.
• Cape Horners: An exclusive fraternity for sailors who have successfully rounded Cape Horn, one of the world's most challenging maritime passages.
• Nari Shakti: A term signifying women's power and strength, often used to highlight women's achievements and empowerment in India.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: A vision for a self-reliant India, promoting indigenous manufacturing, innovation, and economic independence.