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INS Sudarshini Concludes Oman Port Call, Strengthens Historic Maritime Ties

The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini has concluded its first international port call at Salalah, Oman. The visit, part of a 10-month trans-oceanic voyage named 'Lokayan 26', aimed to showcase India's maritime heritage. Over 600 visitors, including schoolchildren, toured the ship, and its officers held professional interactions with their Royal Navy of Oman counterparts. The ship has now set sail to continue its 22,000-nautical-mile journey promoting goodwill and providing training to naval cadets.

Key Points: Indian Navy's INS Sudarshini Concludes Oman Port Visit

  • Concluded first int'l port call in Oman
  • Showcased maritime heritage to 600+ visitors
  • Part of 10-month 'Lokayan 26' voyage
  • Reinforced naval friendship with Oman
2 min read

10-month voyage: Indian Navy's Sudarshini concludes Oman port call

INS Sudarshini concludes its Salalah port call, highlighting India-Oman maritime heritage and friendship during its 10-month global voyage.

"showcasing India's rich maritime heritage and the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, Feb 8

Historic seafaring links between India and Oman were in focus as the Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini concluded her first port call at Salalah, Oman, an official said on Sunday.

In a vibrant display of people-to-people connect, the sail training ship was open to visitors. More than 600 visitors, including schoolchildren, were provided a firsthand glimpse of the three-masted barque and were familiarised with the nuances of ocean sailing, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence.

The visit, which concluded on Thursday, marked a key milestone in the ship's ambitious 10-month trans-oceanic voyage, 'Lokayan 26', aimed at showcasing India's rich maritime heritage and the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family) across the globe.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini interacted with Captain Mohammad Al Ghailani, Southern Naval Area Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), and Captain Mohammad Al Mahari, Commanding Officer of Royal Navy of Oman Vessel Al Moazer, said a statement.

The interactions highlighted historic seafaring links between India and Oman and reinforced the Bridges of Friendship between the two navies. Continuing the professional engagement, the ship also hosted officers from the Royal Navy of Oman for a guided tour of the ship.

INS Sudarshini now proceeds on her next leg of Lokayan 26, carrying forward India's timeless seafaring legacy across the oceans. With sails set and spirits high, she continues to serve as a symbol of maritime excellence, friendship, and goodwill, said the statement.

Oman was the first international port as part of INS Sudarshini's Lokayan 26 transoceanic journey. It set sail from Naval Base, Kochi, on January 20.

The sail training ship aims to cover a total distance of 22,000 nautical miles. The Lokayan-26 journey is meant for sailing training of Indian Navy cadets and to promote maritime goodwill across the world.

The ship was designed by a UK naval architect and built in Goa.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful initiative. Opening the ship to 600 visitors, especially schoolchildren, is brilliant. Our youth need to see and feel this history. More power to our Navy!
R
Rohit P
Oman is a perfect first stop. Our historical and cultural ties with the Gulf are deep. 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' is the right message to send on a voyage like this. Well done!
M
Michael C
As someone who follows naval history, this is fascinating. A sail training ship on a 10-month, 22,000-nautical-mile voyage is no small feat. Great for cadet training and diplomacy.
S
Siddharth J
While this is a positive story, I hope the focus on heritage and goodwill voyages is matched with equal investment in modernizing our frontline naval fleet. Both are important for national security.
N
Nisha Z
Love this! "Bridges of Friendship" through soft power and shared history. This is how you build lasting international relationships. Safe winds and following seas to the crew! 🌊✨

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