Major Omita Dalvi and Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev have emerged as powerful symbols of women’s empowerment in the Indian Armed Forces.

Both officers are part of India’s landmark “Samudra Pradakshina” mission—a tri-services, all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition. The nine-month-long voyage will span more than 26,000 nautical miles across the globe.

Having already returned ashore after completing nearly 10,000 nautical miles, the officers say the expedition is redefining long-held beliefs.

Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev, Member, Samudra Pradakshina said, “Sailing is a male dominated field. As Women empowerment or ‘Naari Shakti’ was happening.... all men have circumnavigated, I think that is why women circumnavigation idea must have come in. I think this one of the world's first tri-services women circumnavigation expedition that we have undertaken.’’

Major Omita Dalvi, Member, Samudra Pradakshina, says, "There are no stereotypes. You must have heard that sailing is male dominated sport – it is broken. You must have heard that women cannot do plumber's or electrician's job – that is broken. There are stereotypes that women cannot leave their homes and go far away – we have sailed for 45 days at sea with absolutely men around. Done. So (that stereotype is also) broken."

Ten female officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force are participating in the expedition aboard the locally constructed Indian Army Sailing Vessel Triveni.

The officers claim that the mission is an attempt to highlight India's enormous potential in sailing and maritime sports while bolstering collaboration between the three services, in addition to being a testament to the skill and dedication of women in uniform.

Meanwhile, Major Omita Dalvi, Member, Samudra Pradakshina says, "This initiative I think is very important, because what I feel is sailing is not a common sport in India. The main idea of this expedition was to promote sailing in India, bring the culture to India, and to promote India’s maritime excellence. We have a very large coastline so why don't we utilise it for this beautiful sport that is there. We have trained ourselves for around 10,000 nautical miles, mostly along the western coast of India. I think we should utilise our natural resources and promote this sport."

Squadron Leader Aruvi Jayadev, Member, Samudra Pradakshina says, "Before the main circumnavigation expedition, we had already completed 9 expeditions, covering approximately 10,000 nautical miles together. So, team spirit was the most important aspect within the team. From 2022 to 2025, the training has strengthened the camaraderie between the three services. With the successful completion of the circumnavigation expedition, we will demonstrate what women are capable of and highlight the strong camaraderie between the three services."

The expedition, which was launched in September 2025, is still travelling through some of the most difficult waters on earth. In May 2026, the remaining eight members are anticipated to return to Mumbai, capping an important period in India's military and maritime history.