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INS Sudarshini Departs Egypt, Strengthens India-Egypt Naval Ties

The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini has departed from Safaga, Egypt, following a port visit as part of its ongoing Lokayan-26 global deployment. The visit included professional interactions with the Egyptian Navy and reinforced bilateral maritime cooperation. The ship recently completed a significant 1,832-nautical-mile passage from Salalah, Oman, navigating the challenging waters of the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. As the Navy's premier sail training platform, INS Sudarshini is on a 10-month expedition to train over 200 officers in traditional seamanship and modern naval operations.

Key Points: INS Sudarshini's Egypt Visit Boosts India-Egypt Naval Partnership

  • INS Sudarshini departs Safaga, Egypt
  • Enhances India-Egypt naval partnership
  • Traverses challenging Gulf of Aden & Red Sea
  • Part of 10-month global Lokayan-26 expedition
  • Builds skilled officers through sail training
2 min read

Under Lokayan-26, INS Sudarshini departs from Safaga Egypt

Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini departs Safaga, Egypt after port visit, enhancing maritime cooperation and training under Lokayan-26.

"The visit... reaffirms the Indian Navy's continued commitment to maritime outreach under the 'Bridges of Friendship' initiative. - Indian Navy"

Safaga, February 24

Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini departed from Safaga, Egypt on February 23 as part of her ongoing Lokayan-26 deployment.

Covering a distance of 1,832 nautical miles in 16 days, the passage from Salalah to Safaga marked a significant milestone, highlighting the resilience, confidence, and endurance of the ship's crew.

On arrival, the ship was warmly received by officials of the Egyptian Navy and representatives from the Indian Embassy. The Commanding Officer, INS Sudarshini, called on Rear Admiral Ramy Ahmed Ismail Mohamed, Base Commander Red Sea and Safaga Naval Base.

The interactions emphasised growing maritime partnership between the two navies, reflecting a shared vision of enhanced naval cooperation and interoperability. During the port stay, the Indian Navy will engage in professional interactions with Egyptian naval personnel, share best practices in sail training, and undertake community outreach activities aimed at strengthening bilateral goodwill.

Transit through the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea constituted a key operational phase as the ship steered through challenging weather conditions and dense shipping traffic, demonstrating a high degree of professional competence and seamanship skills. The visit of INS Sudarshini to Safaga reaffirms the Indian Navy's continued commitment to maritime outreach under the "Bridges of Friendship" initiative and underscores the strong and enduring ties between India and Egypt.

INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's second indigenously-built sail training ship, commissioned on 27 January 2012. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited and based at Kochi, Kerala under the Southern Naval Command, she serves as the premier platform for training naval officers and coast guard personnel. Currently undertaking the flagship 10-month global expedition 'Lokayan 26' across four continents, INS Sudarshini continues her legacy of building skilled, sea-ready officers through traditional seamanship and modern naval training. Over 200 trainees will participate in this historic voyage, gaining invaluable experience in long-range navigation and maritime operations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is such positive news. "Bridges of Friendship" is a wonderful concept. Sharing best practices with the Egyptian Navy not only strengthens defence ties but also fosters people-to-people connections. Hope the community outreach activities leave a lasting positive impression of India.
R
Rohit P
Indigenous built by Goa Shipyard! That's the real story here. We need to celebrate and support our domestic defence manufacturing more. INS Sudarshini is a symbol of our growing self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in critical sectors. More power to our shipbuilders and sailors!
S
Sarah B
As someone interested in maritime history, it's impressive to see traditional sail training combined with modern naval ops. A 10-month global expedition across four continents for over 200 trainees is a massive undertaking. The experience they'll gain is priceless for their careers.
V
Vikram M
While this diplomatic mission is good, I hope our Navy is also getting adequate budgetary support for its core operational needs. Soft power outreach is important, but we must ensure our primary fleet is battle-ready given the complex security scenario in our neighbourhood. A respectful critique.
K
Kavya N
Egypt is a key partner in the Arab world. Strengthening naval cooperation is a smart strategic move. The Gulf of Aden and Red Sea are vital waterways for our trade. Shows our commitment to being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. 👏

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