INS Sudarshini Embarks on 10-Month Global Voyage for SAIL 250 & Escale a Sète

The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini has embarked on a flagship 10-month global voyage named Lokayan 26 from Kochi. The ship will sail over 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 ports across 13 countries, with key participation in the Escale a Sète event in France and SAIL 250 in New York. Over 200 Indian Navy and Coast Guard trainees will undergo intensive sail training and international professional exchange during the journey. This expedition serves as a symbol of cultural diplomacy and India's maritime heritage on the global stage.

Key Points: INS Sudarshini Flags Off Global SAIL 250 Voyage from Kochi

  • 10-month transoceanic expedition
  • Over 22,000 nautical miles to sail
  • Visiting 18 foreign ports across 13 nations
  • Training for 200+ Navy & Coast Guard trainees
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Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena flags off INS Sudarshini for Global SAIL 250, Escale a Sete Missions

Indian Navy's INS Sudarshini begins a 10-month, 22,000-nautical-mile voyage to 18 ports in 13 countries, participating in major international tall-ship events.

"Reflecting India's rich maritime heritage and the vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' across the oceans - Ministry of Defence"

Kochi, January 21

The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini on Tuesday started a flagship voyage from Naval Base Kochi, a 10-month transoceanic expedition.

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,

INS Sudarshini's participation in prestigious international tall-ship events, Escale a Sete, 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.

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 the 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.

The Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini embarked 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 the 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
22,000 nautical miles! That's incredible. This kind of hands-on training for our Navy and Coast Guard personnel is invaluable. It builds not just skill but also character. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
As someone who follows naval diplomacy, this is a brilliant soft-power move. Participating in SAIL 250 in New York and the event in France puts India's capabilities and peaceful intent front and center. Smart strategy.
R
Rohit P
While this is a great initiative for cultural exchange, I hope the substantial resources spent on this 10-month voyage translate into tangible, long-term strategic partnerships and not just symbolic gestures. The investment needs to show concrete results.
S
Shreya B
Love this! Our ancient maritime history is finally getting the recognition it deserves on the world stage. Building bonds of friendship through such voyages is the need of the hour. Safe sailing, Sudarshini! 🌊⛵
K
Karthik V
Over 200 trainees getting this experience is fantastic. The interaction with other navies will be a huge learning curve. This is how you build a modern, globally integrated navy. Kudos to the Indian Navy!

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