The voyage reflects India’s rich maritime legacy and its aspirations for the future
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini sailed out of Fremantle, Australia on November 24, 2024, for the second leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II (NSP-II), an ambitious circumnavigation of the globe by two women officers of the Indian Navy. The vessel, helmed by Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, is en route to Lyttelton, New Zealand, carrying forward its mission of showcasing India’s maritime capabilities, women’s empowerment, and global maritime cooperation.

Flagged off by the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, on October 2, 2024, at INS Mandovi, Goa, NSP-II represents a significant milestone in India’s naval history. It marks the first-ever dual-handed global circumnavigation by Indian women naval officers.

First Leg Highlights: Fremantle, Australia
INSV Tarini reached Fremantle on November 9, 2024 after a grueling 39-day voyage from Goa, covering 4,900 nautical miles under sail. The crew received a warm welcome from the Consul General of India in Perth, Defence Advisor to Canberra, Royal Australian Navy officials, and members of the Indian diaspora, including armed forces veterans.

While in Fremantle, the crew participated in several activities. Among the key engagements:
Parliamentary Recognition: The Western Australia Parliament honoured the officers as special invitees, acknowledging their extraordinary journey. A statement lauding their expedition was also made during a parliamentary session.

Community Outreach: The crew interacted with the Indian diaspora at a vibrant event organized by the Consul General of India in Perth, fostering connections with the local community.

Educational Inspiration: Visits to the Royal Australian Naval Base HMAS Stirling and Ocean Reef High School allowed the crew to share their experiences, inspiring students with lessons on resilience, innovation, and courage.

During their stopover, the vessel underwent maintenance, system checks, and stocking of provisions under the guidance of a shore support team from India. The team mentor, retired Commander Abhilash Tomy, provided critical briefings on the challenging passage ahead and assessed the journey.

Second Leg: Fremantle to Lyttelton
The second leg of NSP-II involves crossing 3,400 nautical miles (6,300 km) of diverse maritime terrain, including Cape Leeuwin, the Great Australian Bight, Tasmania, and the South Island of New Zealand. The voyage is expected to take approximately 20 days and will test the crew’s resilience against unpredictable weather, including frontal systems and dropping temperatures.

As ambassadors of India’s rich maritime tradition, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A are set to navigate these waters while continuing to spread the message of women’s empowerment and global collaboration.

Navika Sagar Parikrama-II is more than a maritime expedition; it is a powerful testament to the Indian Navy’s dedication to promoting Nari Shakti (women’s empowerment) and advancing India’s global maritime presence. The five-leg journey, covering 21,600 nautical miles, includes stops at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa), and back to Goa.

The initiative follows the legacy of the first Navika Sagar Parikrama (2017), during which an all-women naval crew successfully circumnavigated the globe. It reflects the visionary foresight of the late Vice Admiral MP Awati.

INSV Tarini, a 56-foot sailing vessel built by Aquarius Shipyard Ltd, has logged over 66,000 nautical miles since its induction in 2017. It is equipped with advanced navigation, communication, and safety systems, ensuring optimal performance under challenging conditions.

The crew, Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, bring a combined sailing experience of 38,000 nautical miles. Their rigorous preparation spanned over three years and included training in navigation, meteorology, seamanship, survival techniques, and psychological conditioning. Under the mentorship of Cdr Abhilash Tomy, a seasoned circumnavigator, they honed their skills to face the unpredictable elements of the high seas.

The Fremantle leg not only highlighted the crew’s resilience but also served as a platform for strengthening ties between India and Australia.

As INSV Tarini embarks on its journey to Lyttelton, it continues to symbolize the courage and determination of the Indian Navy’s women officers. The expedition is a beacon of inspiration, breaking barriers and charting a course for future generations to embrace challenges with confidence and grit.

The voyage of NSP-II, with its message of Courageous Hearts, Boundless Seas, reflects India’s maritime legacy and its aspirations for a future defined by equality, collaboration, and excellence on the global stage.