Navika Sagar Parikrama: India's Women Sailors Conquer the High Seas

Navika Sagar Parikrama: India's Women Sailors Conquer the High Seas

India's growing maritime ambitions and the evolving role of women in its defence forces found perfect expression through the twin milestones of Navika Sagar Parikrama I and II. These circumnavigation missions, led by Indian Navy’s women officers aboard the sailboat INSV Tarini, have not only demonstrated India's seafaring prowess but also highlighted the resolve, courage, and capability of women in challenging global expeditions. While the first edition (2017–18) featured a six-member all-woman crew, the recently concluded second edition (2023–25) saw only two women officers complete a globe-spanning journey in double-handed mode—an unparalleled feat in Indian naval history.

The First Step: Navika Sagar Parikrama I (2017–2018)

India’s tryst with maritime history took a new turn with the launch of Navika Sagar Parikrama I—the first ever global circumnavigation by an all-woman crew of the Indian Navy. The voyage commenced on 10 September 2017 and concluded on 21 May 2018, spanning 254 days at sea. The six officers meticulously trained and selected—sailed aboard INSV Tarini, navigating over 21,600 nautical miles. This pioneering journey included port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa), with one forced halt at Port Louis, Mauritius for technical maintenance.

Throughout the expedition, the crew endured extreme weather, navigated three oceans (Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic), and crossed the equator twice. Originally scheduled to begin on 5 September 2017, the flag-off was delayed to allow then-newly appointed Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to formally inaugurate the voyage. The mission was widely celebrated and even featured in a documentary titled Tarini, co-produced by the Indian Navy and National Geographic, which later led to the launch of the campaign “Girls Who Sailed”,  inspiring young women across the country to dream beyond boundaries.

The Spirit Continues: Navika Sagar Parikrama II (2023–2025)

Building on the success of the first mission, the Navika Sagar Parikrama II took maritime exploration to new heights. Unlike its predecessor, this edition was unique for its double-handed crew format, where just two women officers Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K set out to circumnavigate the globe, again aboard INSV Tarini. This ambitious voyage began on 2 October 2023, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, from INS Mandovi near Panaji, Goa.

The officers collectively known as #DilRoo, had spent three years rigorously preparing for this mission, clocking nearly 38,000 nautical miles of sailing experience. Their past endeavors included multiple transoceanic expeditions such as Goa to Rio de Janeiro via Cape Town, a dual-handed sail from Goa to Port Blair and back, and another from Goa to Mauritius. Their skills were honed under seasoned Indian Navy officers including Commander Abhilash Tomy, a Golden Globe Race competitor and India's first solo circumnavigator.

The Route and Challenges of NSP II

The second circumnavigation followed a similar route to the first edition, starting from Goa and touching ports in Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands via the Drake Passage), and Cape Town (South Africa) before returning to Goa. Over the eight-month journey, the officers sailed over 25,400 nautical miles (approx. 50,000 km) across four continents, three oceans, and navigated three of the world’s most dangerous capes — Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and Cape of Good Hope.

Each leg of the expedition posed unique challenges, but the stretch from Lyttelton to Port Stanley was the most difficult, owing to rough seas, freezing temperatures, and strong westerlies of the Roaring Forties and Furious Fifties. The mission tested not just their sailing skills, but also their physical endurance and psychological strength, as they relied entirely on wind-powered sailing, celestial navigation, and their own decision-making in adverse conditions.

Scientific and Strategic Contributions

More than just a feat of adventure, Navika Sagar Parikrama II also served critical scientific and strategic purposes. The expedition collaborated with the National Institute of Oceanography to collect samples for studying marine microplastics and ferrous content in the oceans. It also partnered with the Wildlife Institute of India to record sightings and behaviours of marine megafauna like whales and dolphins. Another notable collaborator, the Defence Food Research Laboratory, supported the voyage with customized pre-cooked Indian meals, optimized for long sea journeys.

Further technological integration was achieved through Sagar Defence, which provided drones to visually document the voyage, capturing both routine sailing operations and dramatic moments on the high seas.

Symbolism and National Pride

The INSV Tarini returned to homeport Goa on 29 May 2025, where a ceremonial flag-in ceremony was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Mormugao Port. Celebrated with much fanfare, this event not only marked the formal completion of the circumnavigation but also served as a proud reminder of India's maritime heritage and its vision for “Nari Shakti” in defence. The official logo of NSP II, unveiled in September 2024, reinforced this message — it featured an octagon symbolizing the Navy, a sun representing celestial navigation, and a compass denoting guidance and resilience on the high seas.

The expedition was conducted under the inspirational motto: “Courageous Hearts, Boundless Seas”, symbolizing both the inner strength of the women sailors and the limitless nature of India’s maritime dreams.

Meet the Trailblazers: Lt Cdr Roopa A and Lt Cdr Dilna K

The heroes of this mission, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, exemplify dedication, professionalism, and bravery. Lt Cdr Roopa hails from Pondicherry, and joined the Indian Navy in June 2017. Her father, G.P. Alagirisamy, served in the Indian Air Force. Her sailing partner, Lt Cdr Dilna, comes from Kozhikode, Kerala, and was commissioned into the Navy in June 2014. Her father, the late Devadasan, served in the Indian Army. Together, their journey represents not just a personal triumph but also a national one, showcasing the outcome of vision, mentorship, and years of rigorous training.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Maritime History

The Navika Sagar Parikrama expeditions have rewritten the rules of possibility in Indian defence and gender roles. While NSP I laid the groundwork by proving that Indian women could brave the oceans together as a team, NSP II raised the bar with a more demanding, two-person format that required greater precision, resilience, and partnership. The Indian Navy, through initiatives like these and training platforms such as INS Tarangini, INS Sudarshini, INSV Mhadei, and INSV Tarini, continues to nurture a culture of sail training, gender equality, and strategic maritime excellence.

In an era where nations are increasingly turning towards the seas for trade, security, and sustainability, India’s women sailors have boldly shown that they are not just ready to follow the waves, but to lead them.