On April 1, the Indian Navy’s 56-foot sailing ship, INSV Tarini, which was built in-country, arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, concluding the fourth leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition. Under the leadership of female officers Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A, the mission intends to complete the circumnavigation of the world in eight months, covering a total of over 23,400 nautical miles.
During its voyage, the ship encountered difficult circumstances, such as stormy weather, rough seas, winds of over 50 knots (93 km/h), and waves as high as seven meters.
India’s Consul General Ruby Jaspreet, South African Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Lisa Hendricks, and India’s Defence Adviser Captain Atul Sapahia greeted the crew when they arrived in Cape Town. For two weeks, INSV Tarini will stay at the Royal Cape Yacht Club to undergo repairs and maintenance. The officers will interact with the South African Navy at Gordon’s Bay Naval College and Simon’s Town Naval Base during this time. Events for community outreach are also planned.
Commencing from Goa on October 2, 2024, the expedition has stopped at Fremantle, Australia; Lyttelton, New Zealand; and Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. The ‘Make in India’ campaign is highlighted, and women’s empowerment in the military is encouraged. Another important aspect of the mission is scientific research on large sea mammals and marine microplastics.
The increasing maritime cooperation between South Africa and India is highlighted by this stopover. Bilateral ties have been strengthened in recent years by Indian naval vessels such as INS Talwar and INS Tushil taking part in joint exercises and engagements in South Africa.
