Navika Sagar Parikrama II follows in the footsteps of the first edition, which took place from 2017 to 2018
In a historic moment for India's maritime tradition and a testament to gender equality in the armed forces, two Indian Navy women officers are set to embark on a groundbreaking global circumnavigation aboard the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini. Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, who have been preparing rigorously for the past three years, will undertake this mission as part of the second edition of the Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition, titled "Navika Sagar Parikrama II."

This challenging voyage across the world's oceans marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy and the country’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Both the vessel and its entire crew are indigenous.

Navika Sagar Parikrama II follows in the footsteps of the first edition, which took place from 2017 to 2018. That earlier mission saw a team of six Indian Navy women officers successfully circumnavigate the globe, setting a new standard for gender inclusivity within the Indian armed forces. Lieutenant Commanders Roopa A and Dilna K are now ready to build on that legacy and lead the second voyage.

INSV Tarini, named after the goddess Tara, symbolizing both navigation and power, will serve as their vessel for this expedition. Over the years, the Indian Navy has emphasized the importance of revitalizing its sailing tradition. Through various expeditions, including those aboard vessels like INSV Mhadei and INSV Tarini, the Navy has demonstrated its dedication to preserving the nation’s maritime heritage while promoting seamanship skills.

Preparation for an expedition of this magnitude requires years of training, both in technical skills and physical endurance. According to information shared by the Indian Navy, Lieutenant Commanders Roopa and Dilna have accumulated thousands of nautical miles of experience over several trans-oceanic and double-handed sailing expeditions, further solidifying their abilities.

In 2023, they were part of a six-member crew that completed a challenging voyage from Goa to Rio de Janeiro via Cape Town, covering thousands of nautical miles. This was followed by a Goa-Port Blair-Goa expedition in double-handed mode and a sortie from Goa to Port Louis, Mauritius, in early 2024. These expeditions were critical in preparing them for the upcoming circumnavigation, equipping them with the navigation, endurance, and seamanship skills necessary to face the unpredictable and often harsh conditions of the world’s oceans.

Throughout their training, the two officers have been mentored by none other than Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd.), the decorated naval officer known for his participation in the Golden Globe Race. Commander Tomy, a pioneer in solo circumnavigation, has been instrumental in passing on his knowledge and experience to the officers. His own feats have provided a solid foundation for their preparation, particularly in dealing with the physical and mental demands of long, isolated voyages at sea.

The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition is about much more than just completing a circumnavigation. It represents the Indian Navy’s progressive approach toward gender equality, operational excellence, and the advancement of women in demanding roles traditionally occupied by men. 

As part of the build-up to the expedition, the Indian Navy recently unveiled the official logo for Navika Sagar Parikrama II. The logo features an octagonal shape that represents the Indian Navy. The sun, a symbol of celestial navigation, sits at the center, while a compass points toward the perilous paths sailors must navigate across the world’s oceans.  The logo also highlights the all-women crew.

The circumnavigation of INSV Tarini is a significant achievement for the Indian Navy, marking its continuing efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen India’s maritime capabilities. It is a historic step forward, not only in terms of military operations but also for the nation’s growing prominence in global maritime affairs.

As Lieutenant Commanders Roopa and Dilna prepare to set sail, their journey symbolizes the larger strides India is making towards gender parity in defense roles and the broader mission of empowering women across all sectors. The officers’ courage, determination, and resilience serve as an inspiration to future generations of Indian sailors, male and female alike.

Through Navika Sagar Parikrama II, India’s commitment to preserving its maritime heritage, promoting operational excellence, and fostering gender equality is on full display. As the officers chart their course through the world's oceans, they will carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation moving toward a future of greater self-reliance and inclusivity.