Lt Col Anuja Varudkar Leads First All Women Tri Service Ocean Circumnavigation Expedition

NEW DELHI, August 1, 2026 — In a historic achievement for the Indian armed forces, Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar of the Corps of Engineers successfully skippered the indigenous Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni through Samudra Pradakshina, the first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.

Selected through a rigorous three-phase selection process from among women officers across the three military services, Anuja Varudkar led a team of nine women officers on a demanding 314-day voyage spanning nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.The journey required navigating through some of the most unforgiving waters on Earth, particularly across the Southern Ocean, where the crew faced violent winds, freezing temperatures, towering waves, and sudden storms.

Crossing critical maritime landmarks, including Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope, the skipper guided her crew through extreme weather, fatigue, and technical challenges with precise decision-making and steadfast leadership.Every watch kept, sail adjusted, and maintenance repair undertaken at sea reflected the seamless cooperation and joint operational spirit among the officers.

The successful completion of the expedition stands as an inspiring example of perseverance, leadership, and teamwork, showcasing the enduring values and capabilities of the Indian armed forces.