Indian Navy Officers Awarded Shaurya Chakra for Historic Global Circumnavigation Expedition
President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Shaurya Chakra to Indian Navy officers Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A. The duo was honored for successfully completing a historic 26,000 nautical mile global circumnavigation expedition, marking a significant milestone for maritime excellence and gender empowerment.
Highlights
- •Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A received the Shaurya Chakra from President Droupadi Murmu.
- •The duo completed a historic 26,000 nautical mile circumnavigation under the Navika Sagar Parikrama II mission.
- •The expedition successfully crossed three oceans, the equator twice, and four continents using wind power.
- •The journey showcased Atmanirbhar Bharat by using the indigenously built vessel, INSV Tarini, while promoting gender empowerment.
In a historic recognition of courage and maritime excellence, two prominent Indian Navy officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, have been honored with the prestigious Shaurya Chakra. The medals were conferred upon them by President Droupadi Murmu during a formal Defence Investiture ceremony conducted in New Delhi on June 8, 2026. This esteemed award acknowledges their extraordinary bravery and determination during a groundbreaking global circumnavigation expedition.
A Historic Voyage: The Success of Navika Sagar Parikrama II
The Shaurya Chakra recipients gained national acclaim for their role in the Navika Sagar Parikrama II mission. This ambitious expedition was a monumental follow-up to the initial 2018 circumnavigation, which had set a high benchmark for all-women maritime achievements by covering over 21,000 nautical miles. The 2025 mission undertaken by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A significantly extended these boundaries. Over the course of their journey, they navigated an impressive 26,000 nautical miles, successfully crossing the challenging Point Nemo, traversing three major oceans, and crossing the equator twice.
Throughout this demanding eight-month voyage, the duo navigated through three distinct capes and four continents, relying primarily on wind power. Their journey concluded triumphantly when they returned to Goa on May 29, 2025, where they were officially welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Their steadfast dedication proved that even the most perilous maritime routes could be conquered with skill and perseverance.
Global Recognition and Maritime Empowerment
The crew utilized the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, a craft engineered locally, reflecting the spirit of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Their voyage included strategic port calls in Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), and Cape Town (South Africa). These stops served as vital opportunities for maintenance and diplomatic outreach. In a notable international gesture of support, the officers were even recognized as special invitees at the Western Australian Parliament.
Beyond the personal achievement of completing a two-person circumnavigation, this mission has played a crucial role in advancing India’s maritime capabilities and promoting gender empowerment within the armed forces. The data gathered during the expedition has contributed to essential research in marine, climate, and wildlife studies. By successfully challenging traditional norms and breaking gender barriers at sea, the achievements of Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A serve as a profound inspiration for the next generation of women aspiring to join the Indian Navy and serve the nation with distinction.
