INSV Tarini docked at Cape Town.
| Photo Credit: X, @indiannavy

Indian Navy Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini has set sail from Cape Town, South Africa, for Goa, on the final leg of a global circumnavigation. The voyage, part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II initiative, is being undertaken by two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. The vessel is expected to reach Goa by the end of May.

“INSV Tarini was ceremonially flagged off from the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) for the final leg of her journey to Goa on April 15 at 1030 hours local time (1400 hrs IST),” the Navy said in a statement on Tuesday (April 15, 2025).

The send-off ceremony was attended by the Officiating Consul General of India in Cape Town, the Defence Attaché of India to South Africa, members of the RCYC Governing Council, and representatives of the Indian community in Cape Town.

During its port call in Cape Town, INSV Tarini served as a hub for outreach and diplomatic engagements, hosting several guests, including members of the Indian diaspora and local dignitaries. The visit also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and highlighted the growing maritime cooperation between India and South Africa, the statement added.

“In addition to hosting guests, the crew of INSV Tarini engaged in a series of interactive events aimed at promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and India’s capability in indigenous boat building,” the Navy stated.

Activities included an interaction with students from the Indian diaspora and an experience-sharing session with citizens and members of the diplomatic community at the RCYC. During these events, the officers shared insights into their journey, the challenges of ocean sailing, and the vision behind Navika Sagar Parikrama. Further engagements involved a formal session with faculty and students at the University of the Western Cape, interaction with Naval Cadets at the Naval College, and meeting young sailors at the RCYC Sailing Academy.

The crew also utilised the stopover to undertake routine maintenance on INSV Tarini, ensuring the vessel remains in optimal condition for the final leg of the voyage, the Navy stated..

The vessel had arrived in Cape Town on April 1, completing the penultimate leg of its journey. The entire expedition, covering approximately 23,400 nautical miles (43,300 km), was flagged off from Goa on October 2, 2024 by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and is scheduled to conclude in Goa by the end of May.

The Navy added that the circumnavigation is a significant endeavour aimed at promoting ocean sailing in India, showcasing the strength and resilience of Indian women in uniform, and highlighting the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.