Why in the news?

  • Defence Minister virtually flagged off Samudra Pradakshina.

Samudra Pradakshina

  • What is it?:
    • It is a historic tri‐service, all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition.
    • First ever of its kind where women officers from Army, Navy, Air Force together, sailing around the world.
  • Features:
    • Vessel: IASV Triveni- a 50-foot, Class A yacht, indigenously built in Puducherry.
    • Duration: About 9 months
    • Crew: 10 Women officers
    • Port Calls: Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa
    • Collaboration: In collaboration with the National Institute of Oceanography. They will study micro-plastics, ocean life documentation and raise awareness about marine health.
  • Significance:
    • Represents Nari Shakti (women’s empowerment) and the growing role of women in Indian armed forces.
    • Symbolic of tri-service unity, showing inter-service coordination.
    • Acts as an instrument of defence diplomacy and projecting Indian culture, tradition and values globally.