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INS Sudarshini Embarks on 10-Month Global Voyage to Showcase India's Maritime Heritage

The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini has begun a flagship 10-month transoceanic expedition named Lokayan 26. The voyage will cover over 22,000 nautical miles and visit 18 foreign ports across 13 countries. A key highlight includes participation in major international tall-ship events in France and the USA. The mission aims to provide intensive sail training, foster maritime partnerships, and act as a symbol of India's maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy.

Key Points: INS Sudarshini Begins 10-Month Transoceanic Lokayan 26 Expedition

  • 10-month transoceanic expedition
  • Over 22,000 nautical miles to be sailed
  • Visits 18 ports across 13 nations
  • Training for 200+ Navy & Coast Guard trainees
  • Participation in international tall-ship events
2 min read

INS Sudarshini to embark on transoceanic sail expedition - Lokayan 26

Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini embarks on a 22,000-nautical-mile voyage, visiting 18 ports in 13 countries to foster maritime cooperation.

"a powerful symbol of cultural diplomacy, reaffirming the Indian Navy's commitment to Building Bridges of cooperation and mutual trust - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, January 20

The Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini will embark on the flagship voyage of Lokayan 26, a 10-month transoceanic expedition, on Jan 20. Reflecting India's rich maritime heritage and the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam across the oceans, the ship will sail over 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 foreign ports across 13 countries, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release.

A key highlight of the deployment will be INS Sudarshini's participation in prestigious international tall-ship events - Escale a Sète, in France, and SAIL 250, in New York, USA. In both these events, INS Sudarshini will be representing India's proud seafaring legacy and maritime traditions, as per the ministry.

During the course of the voyage, over 200 Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard trainees will undergo intensive sail training, gaining invaluable experience in long-range ocean navigation and traditional seamanship at sea. The deployment will expose the trainees to nuances of life onboard a tall ship and provide opportunities for interaction with trainees of other Navies, fostering professional exchange and building enduring bonds of friendship.

INS Sudarshini will also participate in training interactions and maritime partnership engagements with the Navies of visiting countries, strengthening maritime cooperation and advancing the vision of MAHASAGAR. The voyage stands as a powerful symbol of cultural diplomacy, reaffirming the Indian Navy's commitment to Building Bridges of cooperation and mutual trust across nations.

INS Sudarshini, the second sail training ship of the Indian Navy, has covered over 1,40,000 nautical miles to date. Through Lokayan 26, she continues to serve as a beacon of India's maritime strength, professionalism, and goodwill on the global stage.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Fantastic initiative! Training over 200 Navy and Coast Guard trainees on such a long voyage is invaluable. This hands-on experience in traditional seamanship is something no classroom can provide. Wishing the entire crew fair winds and following seas!
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Rohit P
While this is a great diplomatic mission, I hope the focus remains on core naval training and security. Soft power is important, but we must ensure our primary defense capabilities are not diluted. A balanced approach is key.
S
Sarah B
As someone living abroad, it's always thrilling to see Indian ships in foreign ports. It's a powerful symbol of friendship and a chance for people here to connect with India's culture beyond Bollywood and food. Looking forward to seeing it in New York!
V
Vikram M
Our maritime history is so rich, from the Cholas to the shipbuilders of Gujarat. Glad to see the Navy keeping that legacy alive with a modern purpose. 1,40,000 nautical miles already! That's some serious sailing. Kudos to the crew.
M
Michael C
This is exactly the kind of positive international engagement the world needs more of. Building bridges through shared traditions like tall-ship sailing. The MAHASAGAR vision for maritime cooperation is commendable. Safe voyage!

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