The South Island's Indian community bid farewell to the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini on Sunday.
The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition departed from Goa on 2 October as part of a bid by two female sailors of the Indian Navy to circumnavigate the globe.
The vessel left Lyttelton Port near Christchurch for Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, embarking on the third leg of its circumnavigation expedition.
"This is the longest leg of the expedition, covering approximately 10,400 kilometres," India's Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition aims to cover approximately 40,000 kilometres over eight months aboard the 17-metre-long vessel.
INSV Tarini arrived in Lyttelton on 22 December after a 28-day journey from Fremantle, Australia, that spanned about 6500 kilometres.
The crew was welcomed by representatives of the Indian mission in Wellington, as well as members of the Indian and Māori communities.
During their stay in New Zealand, the crew conducted repairs and maintenance on the vessel, focusing on preparations for the challenging upcoming leg.
"The vessel will be crossing the South Pacific, pass through the treacherous Drake Passage and cross Cape Horn to reach Port Stanley," the ministry said.
Around 50 members of the Indian community attended the farewell ceremony, including Christchurch Multicultural Council president Surinder Tandon.
"I was fortunate to see INSV Tarini back in 2017 and now again in 2024," Tandon said.
In December 2017, a six-member crew led by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi docked in Lyttelton for two weeks, interacting with the local community and sharing India's maritime history.
"It's incredibly inspiring to witness these brave sailors - not just as role models for women, but for everyone," he said.
Members of the Indian community bid farewell to the INSV Tarini in Lyttelton on Sunday. Photo: Supplied
Tandon said the community had visited the vessel over the weekend, engaging with the sailors and exploring the vessel.
"I'm not sure if Tarini will return to New Zealand, but we would love to welcome them back," he said.
Members of the Māori community also participated in the farewell ceremony.
Two naval officers from India, including retired Commander Abhilash Tomy, were also present.
Tomy, the first Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, has been a mentor to the crew.
The Indian High Commission in Wellington said the officers had been preparing for this expedition for three years.
Lieutenant commanders Roopa K and Dilna K, the two female sailors on the Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition, received training under Tomy's guidance.
"The circumnavigation of INSV Tarini is a significant milestone in India's ocean sailing enterprise, showcasing the nation's maritime capabilities and commitment to gender equality on the high seas," the High Commission said.
The expedition aims to cover approximately 40,000 kilometres over eight months aboard the 17-metre-long vessel.
Provisions were stocked for the next leg to Port Stanley, after which the crew plans to sail to Cape Town, South Africa, before returning to Goa.
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