Raksha Mantri felicitates crew of IASV Triveni for completing first-ever all-women Tri-services circumnavigation sailing expedition

Why in news

The Defence Minister felicitated nine women officers for successfully completing the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition, the first-ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS2, GS4 · Society, Governance, Ethics · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Nine women officers from the three Services completed the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition.
2. This was the first-ever Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.
3. The expedition was undertaken onboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
4. The voyage lasted 314 days.
5. The expedition covered approximately 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.

Prelims pointers

• The 'Samudra Pradakshina' was an all-women Tri-service circumnavigation sailing expedition.
• The expedition was completed onboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
• The voyage covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.
• The expedition lasted 314 days.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition in the context of women empowerment in the Indian Armed Forces and the importance of Tri-service jointness.

Static linkage

The expedition highlights the increasing role of women in the armed forces and the concept of Tri-service jointness, which aims to integrate the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force for greater efficiency and synergy.

Significance

The achievement signifies a major milestone for women empowerment in the defence sector, demonstrating their capability to undertake challenging missions. It also serves as a powerful example of inter-services cooperation and coordination, reinforcing the concept of jointness within the armed forces. The expedition's success can inspire national pride and encourage individuals to pursue ambitious goals.