India, Sept. 11 -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday flagged off a historic tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition, named 'Samudra Pradakshina'.

The expedition, the first ever of its kind in the world, commenced from the Gateway of India in Mumbai, according to a press release by the ministry of defence. Rajnath Singh, in his address from South Block during the flagging off, said the voyage was a symbol of 'Nari Shakti', 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', and military diplomacy, while also showcasing the collective unity of the three services.

Singh said that 'Samudra Pradakshina' was not just an expedition, but a spiritual sadhana, adding that the officers may face numerous challenges, but their "flame of determination"...