New Delhi: On the eve of International Women’s Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with the women crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II), an all-women circumnavigation mission by the Indian Navy. The officers, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, are currently sailing in the South Atlantic Ocean aboard INSV Tarini, en route to Cape Town, South Africa.
On the eve of International Women’s Day, I interacted with the amazing crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama II. Their courageous journey aboard INSV Tarini, tackling the immense challenge of circumnavigating the globe, stands as a beacon of Nari Shakti. Their unwavering resilience,… pic.twitter.com/M20YzFer2F
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 7, 2025
During a video conference, the Defence Minister praised their grit, endurance, and courage, calling their mission a beacon of Nari Shakti (women power). He lauded their remarkable feat of crossing Point Nemo, the world’s most isolated waters, and navigating the treacherous Drake Passage—both considered extreme challenges in global sailing.
A Symbol of India’s Gender-Inclusive Defence Forces
NSP II is a flagship initiative of the Indian Navy, showcasing India’s push for greater women’s participation in maritime and defence sectors. The officers underwent rigorous training in navigation, weather management, and ocean survival techniques before embarking on their historic journey, which was flagged off on October 2, 2024, from Goa.
Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a gender-inclusive armed force, highlighting initiatives such as:
- Permanent commission for women in the defence forces
- Increased intake of women in NDA & INA
- Leadership roles in combat, aviation, and maritime operations
A Historic Women’s Day Celebration
With Women’s Day just hours away, the NSP II mission stands as a global testament to India’s progress in empowering women in defence. The Indian Navy, which successfully conducted the first all-women circumnavigation (NSP I) in 2018, continues to push boundaries by encouraging more women to take on high-endurance missions.
As the officers brave the vast oceans, their journey serves as an inspiration for millions of young women in India and beyond, proving that no frontier is beyond their reach.
