Addressing a flag-in ceremony in Goa for the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the courage, endurance, and accomplishments of two Indian Navy officers—Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A—who returned after successfully completing Navika Sagar Parikrama-II
The return of Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A marked a historic milestone, as the duo became the first Indian women to accomplish a global circumnavigation in double-handed sailing mode. PIC/Defence Pro
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday lauded the women personnel of the armed forces in the pivotal role they played in Operation Sindoor.
Addressing a flag-in ceremony in Goa for the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, Singh also hailed the courage, endurance, and accomplishments of two Indian Navy officers—Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A—who returned after successfully completing Navika Sagar Parikrama II, a circumnavigation expedition undertaken in double-handed mode.
Highlighting the growing role of women in the armed forces, the Defence Minister said, “From the heights of Siachen to the depths of the ocean, Indian women are fulfilling critical responsibilities that have significantly enhanced the nation’s security envelope.”
The return of Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A marked a historic milestone, as the duo became the first Indian women to accomplish a global circumnavigation in double-handed sailing mode. Over the course of eight months, they navigated around 25,600 nautical miles, making port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa).
Describing the expedition as the epitome of ‘Nari Shakti’, Singh applauded the officers for overcoming immense physical and psychological challenges, including extended solitude at sea.
“Not everyone can achieve what these two officers have. Their grit, determination and mental strength are a matter of national pride,” he stated.
Singh also encouraged the duo to document their experiences. “You must record your bitter-sweet experiences and learnings so that future generations, especially young women, are inspired by your journey,” he stated.
The ceremony featured the release of a photo essay book titled ‘Breaking Waves, Making History’, capturing the extraordinary voyage through photographs and first-hand narratives, offering insights into maritime exploration and seafaring from a unique perspective.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi also praised the pair’s resilience and perseverance, calling their voyage a tribute to India’s rich maritime heritage and a powerful symbol of female empowerment.
“Their story is an inspiration to every Indian, redefining the spirit of Nari Shakti,” he said.
The expedition was flagged off from INS Mandovi in Goa on October 2, 2024, in a bid to promote adventure and enhance India’s maritime self-reliance. The first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama was completed in 2017–18 by a six-member all-women crew.
Among those present at the ceremony were Goa’s Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral V Srinivas, retired Commander Abhilash Tomy, and family members of the officers.
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