“Women pilots and other female soldiers played a crucial role in the effective action taken by India against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK during Operation Sindoor,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the flag-in ceremony of INSV Tarini in Goa on May 29, 2025. Raksha Mantri asserted that ever since the participation of women in the Armed Forces has increased, they have performed exceptionally well in every role and fulfilled every responsibility.

“From the heights of Siachen to the depths of the ocean, Indian women are fulfilling many responsibilities, which has further bolstered the security circle of the country. Today, the doors of Sainik Schools are open for girls and 17 women are passing out from National Defence Academy this month. Operation Sindoor witnessed active and effective participation of women in every branch of the Indian Armed Forces,” said Shri Rajnath Singh.

As the two brave Indian Navy Women officers - Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A – returned home after the successful completion of ‘Navika Sagar Parikrama II’, Raksha Mantri commended their courage, commitment and endurance in completing the historic circumnavigation expedition. He termed their voyage as the epitome of Nari Shakti.

The duo, in the second edition of the expedition, has become the first from India to accomplish such a feat in double-handed mode. The officers covered a distance of 25,600 nautical miles over a period of eight months with port calls at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa).

Shri Rajnath Singh praised the duo for facing physical & mental obstacles head on, overcoming them with strength and proving to the world that they are the brave daughters of India. He commended the mental strength of the women officers as they successfully dealt with the feeling of loneliness during their eight-month-long voyage. He stated that not everyone can accomplish the feat achieved by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa, which speaks volumes of their grit, determination & strength.

On the warm welcome received by the duo during various port calls by the natives and Indian expatriates alike, Raksha Mantri said the two women officers have made the nation proud by waving the Tricolour all over the world.

“You must document the experiences of this journey with the same spirit with which you completed it. Record your bitter-sweet experiences and learnings so that the future generation, especially our young women, are inspired by it,” Shri Rajnath Singh told the courageous duo.

Raksha Mantri recalled his virtual conversation with the women officers days before the flag-in, stating that the interaction had filled him with emotions. He expressed happiness on being part of the welcome ceremony in Goa, terming it as a matter of great pride for the country.

Describing the expedition as the testament to Indian Navy’s bravery and resilience in overcoming varied challenges, Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the personnel who contributed to the expedition. He credited the instructors, technical team, and the resources of the Navy for the successful completion of Navika Sagar Parikrama II.

In his address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi praised the duo’s exemplary resilience, perseverance and indomitable spirit. Highlighting their journey as a tribute to the glorious maritime legacy and a significant step in fostering national maritime consciousness, he recounted their story as an inspiration to every Indian redefining the spirit of Nari Shakti.

As part of the event, a photo Essay Book titled 'Breaking Waves, Making History' chronicling the extraordinary circumnavigation expedition was released. The book provides a narrative of the remarkable voyage with illustrated photographs and insights into life at sea with a unique perspective on maritime adventure and seafaring exploration.

The successful completion of Navika Sagar Parikrama II reinforces Indian Navy's commitment to nurturing talent, promoting adventure and showcasing India's self-reliance in oceanic exploration. The expedition was flagged off from INS Mandovi, Goa, by the Chief of the Naval Staff on October 02, 2024. The first edition of the expedition was completed by a six-member women crew in 2017-18.

Chief Secretary of Goa government Dr V Candavelou; Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services Vice Admiral Arti Sarin; Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral V Srinivas; other senior Naval officers; Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd) and the families of Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa attended the flag-in ceremony.

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VK/SR/VM/Savvy/KB