India, Sept. 11 -- Commemorating Nari Shakti and the vision for Viksit Bharat, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday virtually flagged-off a Tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing expedition Samudra Pradakshina, the first ever in the world, from the Gateway of India in Mumbai.

In his address from South Block, Singh described the voyage as a glowing symbol of Nari Shakti, the collective strength, unity & jointness of the three Services, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and its military diplomacy and global vision.

Over the next nine months, 10 women officers will sail onboard the indigenously-built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni on an easterly route covering approximately 26,000 nautical miles.

The team will also make four i...