INS Sudarshini represents India at US International Naval Review 250, Sail4th 250 in New York
New York, July 5
Indian Naval Sail Training Ship Sudarshini represented India at the United States International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 in New York, with the vessel participating in the Parade of Sail on the Hudson River as part of the celebrations marking America's 250th Independence Day.
In a post shared on X, the Embassy of India in the United States said, "INS Sudarshini enters Port of New York and New Jersey. Indian Naval Sail Training Ship Sudarshini represented India at the United States International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 on 4 July at New York."
Highlighting the ship's participation, it added, "The three-masted barque stood out as a symbol of India's maritime heritage flying the tricolour in the Parade of Sail on the Hudson River."
"Lokayan 2026 covering the 10-month-long transoceanic voyage of the ship underscores the Indian Navy's commitment to maritime cooperation across oceans and navies, the embassy said.
The Embassy further said the tall ship "continues participation in the Sail4th 250 event, having completed the SAIL 250 phase at Norfolk and Baltimore."
INS Sudarshini arrived at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday as part of its landmark transoceanic expedition Lokayan 26, highlighting India's maritime heritage and strengthening naval ties between India and the United States.
INS Sudarshini reached Baltimore after sailing from Norfolk through the historic Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal, passing beneath major mid-Atlantic bridges.
The visit marks an important milestone in the expedition and underscores the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the US Navy, the release said.
Before reaching Baltimore, the Indian Navy's sail training ship participated in the Sail250 Virginia celebrations in Norfolk from June 19 to 23, joining tall ships from across the world in the Parade of Sail and the City Crew Parade.
The expedition, which began from Kochi, has covered more than 13,000 nautical miles over five months, reflecting India's maritime traditions and outreach while promoting friendship, cooperation and mutual trust among nations under the spirit of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam."
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship, used to train naval personnel in traditional sailing skills while advancing maritime diplomacy and international engagement.
Sail250 and Sail4th 250 form part of the United States' nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the country's founding, bringing together international tall ships, naval vessels and aircraft across ports including Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, Boston and New Orleans.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Canadian, it's great to see such old-world sailing ships still used for training. But I do wonder about the cost of these 10-month expeditions and what concrete strategic partnerships result from them. Still, the pageantry is lovely and India's participation in our neighbour's celebration is welcome.
Imagine being a sailor on this three-masted barque! The training must be incredible—learning traditional navigation while visiting iconic American ports. Over 13,000 nautical miles from Kochi? That's dedication. My grandfather served in the navy and would have loved to see this. Wish more Indians knew about this.
Nice to see India's presence at our nation's 250th! The Parade of Sail on the Hudson is always spectacular. I'm a bit skeptical about the "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" spirit translating to any real naval cooperation, but the symbolic gesture is welcome. Hope our navies work together more substantively in the future.
Pride for India! But I wish our government would spend more on actual warships and submarines instead of these ceremonial tall ships. 🤷♂️ We're facing real threats from China's navy in the Indian Ocean. Still, Sudarshini is beautiful and the crew deserve respect. Just hoping for more substance along with the symbolism.
Saw the ship in Norfolk during Sail250 Virginia! The crew were very friendly and gave tours. It's impressive how such a classic vessel can still participate in modern naval diplomacy. India's maritime heritage is indeed rich. Hope this strengthens ties between our countries beyond just ceremonial visits. 🇺🇸🤝🇮🇳
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