Why in News?
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, the world’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, from the Gateway of India, Mumbai.
- 10 women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force are participating.
- Expedition aims to showcase Nari Shakti, armed forces’ jointness, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Relevance :
- GS-I (Society): Women empowerment, Nari Shakti.
- GS-II (Polity & Governance): Tri-service jointness, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- GS-III (Security, S&T): Maritime capability, blue-water ambitions, defence preparedness.
Basics
- Vessel: Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni, a 50-foot indigenous yacht.
- Duration: 9 months (Sept 2025 – May 2026).
- Route: ~26,000 nautical miles, following an easterly course.
- Crosses the Equator twice.
- Rounds the Three Great Capes – Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, Cape of Good Hope.
- Significance: First-of-its-kind tri-service, all-women global circumnavigation.
Overview
Symbolism & National Vision
- Nari Shakti: Represents women’s empowerment in high-risk, high-skill maritime domains.
- Tri-Service Integration: Highlights jointness of Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Use of indigenously built yacht underscores India’s self-reliance in defence & maritime capabilities.
Strategic Significance
- Blue-water aspirations: Showcases India’s maritime capability and global naval presence.
- Soft Power Diplomacy: Sailing expeditions project India’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable seafaring.
- Geopolitical Signalling: A visible assertion of India’s maritime confidence across critical sea lanes.
Social & Cultural Impact
- Breaking gender stereotypes: Women officers undertaking extreme endurance expedition in male-dominated sphere.
- Inspiration: Encourages more women to join armed forces, particularly after expanded recruitment under Agnipath scheme.
- Public Engagement: National and global awareness campaign linking women’s empowerment with nation-building.
Operational & Training Value
- Skill demonstration: Demands seamanship, navigation, meteorology, and crisis management under extreme oceanic conditions.
- Joint learning: First time Army, Navy, Air Force officers sail together on a prolonged global mission → fosters inter-service camaraderie.
- Resilience-building: Enhances psychological endurance, leadership, and teamwork in prolonged isolated environments.
Challenges
- Extreme Weather: Rounding Cape Horn and Southern Oceans involves high winds, massive waves, sub-zero conditions.
- Sustenance & Logistics: Requires robust planning for food, medical emergencies, and mid-sea technical support.
- Crew Well-being: Mental health and cohesion critical during 9 months of confined, high-risk voyage.
Conclusion
- Samudra Pradakshina is more than a sailing expedition — it is a national statement of women’s leadership, defence preparedness, and maritime ambition.
- By combining gender empowerment, strategic signalling, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the expedition positions India as a modern maritime power with inclusive values.
