Indian Navy’s All-Women Crew Triumphs in Global Voyage

On May 29, 2025, the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Tarini returned to Goa, marking the triumphant completion of an eight-month global circumnavigation led by an all-women crew. Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, the two-woman team behind the Navika Sagar Parikrama II, sailed into history as the first Indian duo to navigate the globe without external assistance, relying solely on wind power. Their return was met with a hero’s welcome, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who praised their courage and resilience as a symbol of Nari Shakti (women’s empowerment).

The journey, spanning 25,600 nautical miles across four continents, three oceans, and three Great Capes, began on October 2, 2024, flagged off by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi from Goa. The crew faced formidable challenges, including winds up to 50 knots, stormy seas, and freezing temperatures. Recent reports highlight their navigation through the treacherous Drake Passage and around Cape Horn, enduring three cyclones and crossing the Roaring Forties and the Prime Meridian. A historic milestone was crossing Point Nemo, the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, on January 30, 2025, making INSV Tarini the first Indian vessel to achieve this feat.

The expedition demanded exceptional skill and endurance. According to retired naval pilot Commander Abhilash Tomy, the crew’s mentor, the physical demands were immense. Changing the 100-kilo mainsail at sea, for instance, was a grueling task requiring teamwork and precision, especially in rough conditions. Tomy, speaking to a leading news outlet, emphasized the rigorous training that prepared Dilna and Roopa for such challenges, underscoring their mental and physical fortitude. Their ability to repair and maintain the vessel during the voyage, without external support, showcased their technical expertise and determination.

For Lt Cdr Dilna K, the voyage was deeply personal. She dedicated the journey to her late father, whose memory she felt throughout the expedition. “My mother and husband were my pillars of strength,” she shared during the flag-in ceremony, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. Lt Cdr Roopa A reflected on the transformative nature of the journey, saying, “I lived all my seven lives in these eight months.” She highlighted the bond forged with Dilna, describing her as a lifelong friend, and dedicated the voyage to her family for supporting her unconventional path.

The return to Goa was marked by a ceremonial sail parade and a formal reception. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the crew, likened their achievement to a father reuniting with his daughters, calling them “the country’s brave daughters.” The event, attended by naval officials and the crew’s families, celebrated not only their navigational triumph but also their role in advancing gender empowerment in the Indian Navy. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users praising the crew’s courage and the Navy’s commitment to fostering women’s leadership in maritime operations.

The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition made strategic port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa), fostering international goodwill and showcasing India’s naval prowess. These stops allowed the crew to engage with local communities and share their mission of resilience and exploration. Experts note that the voyage highlights the Indian Navy’s growing emphasis on sustainable, wind-powered sailing, aligning with global efforts toward eco-friendly maritime practices.

This historic journey adds to the legacy of INSV Tarini, which previously completed a circumnavigation in 2017-18 with a six-woman crew. The 2024-25 expedition, however, stands out for its double-handed mode, a first for Indian women sailors. Recent reports underscore its significance as a milestone for women in the Indian Navy, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in maritime and defense sectors. The crew’s success is a testament to their skill, courage, and the Navy’s commitment to empowering women to lead in high-stakes missions.

As India celebrates this achievement, the story of Lt Cdrs Dilna K and Roopa A aboard INSV Tarini resonates as a powerful narrative of perseverance, teamwork, and national pride. Their voyage not only conquered the seas but also carved a place in the hearts of millions, redefining what is possible for women in the realm of global exploration.