New Delhi, May 27 – The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, which has been on an extraordinary eight-month journey, is set to return to India on May 29. This voyage, which has taken the vessel across four continents, marks a significant achievement for the Indian Navy and highlights the resilience and capabilities of its crew.

The INSV Tarini was launched from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node in Goa on October 2 of the previous year, under the auspices of Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The return will be celebrated with a flag-in ceremony at Mormugao Port, Goa, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, officially concluding the global circumnavigation.

The expedition has been undertaken by two remarkable women officers, Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, who have collectively traveled an impressive 25,400 nautical miles (approximately 50,000 kilometers). This journey has seen them navigate through three oceans and around three Great Capes, all while contending with extreme weather conditions, relying solely on sails and wind power. The duo has become known as ‘#DilRoo’ during their remarkable journey.

The Navy has expressed pride in welcoming the crew of Navika Sagar Parikrama – II, celebrating their successful completion of this circumnavigation. The mission symbolizes India’s maritime aspirations and showcases the nation’s growing prominence in global maritime activities, as well as the Indian Navy’s commitment to excellence and empowerment of women, encapsulated in the motto “Courageous Hearts Boundless Seas.”

Throughout their journey, the officers made several port calls at significant locations, including Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa). During these stops, they engaged in various diplomatic and outreach activities, connecting with parliamentarians, the Indian diaspora, schoolchildren, naval cadets, and university faculty.

As the INSV Tarini approaches its final leg of the journey after crossing into the Northern Hemisphere, Admiral Tripathi recently commended the crew for their exceptional skills and teamwork. The journey has included crossing the Cape of Good Hope, where the crew faced relentless rain, strong winds, and towering waves.

The Navy has characterized this expedition as a “defining chapter in India’s maritime history,” emphasizing the crew’s embodiment of the spirit of exploration and their demonstration of seafaring skills on an international stage. This journey has not only been about adventure but also about empowerment, innovation, and a commitment to India’s maritime heritage, paving the way for a brighter future. The Indian Navy remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility across the world’s oceans.