Indian Armed Forces' all-woman team to circumnavigate the globe, Pg13

Key Highlights:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the "Samudra Pradakshina", the first all-woman Tri-services circumnavigation sailing expedition, from Mumbai.
• The expedition includes 10 women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force aboard the indigenously-built IASV Triveni.
• The IASV Triveni will cover over 26,000 nautical miles across the globe over a period of nine months.
• The crew will make port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Cape Town (South Africa), returning to Mumbai in May 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• The Samudra Pradakshina expedition showcases Nari Shakti, unity of the three services, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, military diplomacy, and global vision.
• The 50-foot yacht Triveni was indigenously built in Puducherry, and the crew will cross the Equator twice and round the three great Capes.
• The expedition follows the feat of Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, who circumnavigated the globe aboard INSV Tarini in double-handed mode in May 2025.
• The crew has undergone three years of rigorous training and will conduct scientific research in collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography.
• Research will include the study of micro-plastics, documentation of ocean life, and raising awareness about marine health.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nari Shakti: Highlights women's empowerment and their capabilities across various fields.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Government initiative promoting self-reliance and indigenous production across sectors.
• Military Diplomacy: The use of military resources and activities to achieve foreign policy goals.