First Women Officers Of Indian Navy Awarded The Shaurya Chakra
Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A became the first women officers in Indian Naval history to be conferred with Shaurya Chakras.
Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A of the Indian Navy received their Shaurya Chakra medals from President Droupadi Murmu at a Defence Investiture ceremony held in New Delhi on the 8th of June, 2026. Officially announced as the recipients of the Shaurya Chakra on the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the navy duo completed a heroic 2-manned circumnavigation of the globe.
A historical global circumnavigation expedition by the navy, Navika Sagar Parikrama II, was the second of its kind after the first attempt by a six all-women member team in 2018 proved successful and completed more than 21000 nautical miles. The attempt in 2025 by Lt Cdrs Dilna K and Roopa A pushed the boundaries of the same journey as they completed 26000 nautical miles, crossing the treacherous point Nemo, three oceans, and the equator twice. Finding themselves crossing 3 capes, 4 different continents, the duo took on what was a tall order, with both sailors relying on only wind power, and touched on the shores of Goa on May 29, 2025. The landmark event was presided over by the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, who received the female navy officers after more than 8 months at sea.
The triumphant crew of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II found support from the ingeniously built Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini to complete the journey. Lt Cdrs Dilna K and Roopa A would take the vessel from the shores of Goa and make port calls on three different continents as they made maintenance stops at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and Cape Town (South Africa), engaging in numerous diplomatic and outreach engagements. In an exceptional nod to their achievements, they were also honoured as special invitees at the Western Australian Parliament in recognition.
Completing a perilous journey on the back of just two people, the circumnavigation by Indian Navy officers signifies a major step in India’s maritime capabilities and gender empowerment. The journey contributed directly to marine, climate and wildlife research while championing the reliance of Indian Vessel building on its own local sources under the Atmanirbhar Bharat project. The mission also helped break gender barriers at sea, inspiring young women of India to join the armed forces and the Navy, promising a strong and inspired generation of Navy officers.
This article is written by Arnav Madhura, a student of Krea University, interning with Deccan Chronicle.