IndiaPosted at: Nov 2 2026 7:06PM


INS Sudarshini returns to Kochi after 10-month transoceanic voyage, covers over 22,000 nautical miles

New Delhi, Nov 2 (UNI) The Indian Navy's sailing vessel INS Sudarshini returned to Kochi on Monday after completing an extraordinary 10-month transoceanic expedition, covering more than 22,000 nautical miles across the world's oceans and strengthening India's maritime outreach through engagements with 11 countries.
The vessel received a ceremonial welcome on its homecoming, marked by a water cannon salute and a reception by the Naval Band, as family members gathered to welcome the crew after their arduous voyage. The successful completion of the expedition, named 'Lokayan 26', marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's sail training and international maritime cooperation initiatives.
The Flag-in Ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, who commended the crew for their perseverance, professionalism, resilience and dedication to duty.
He said the successful completion of the challenging expedition reflected the Navy's high standards of seamanship, sail training and operational preparedness, while showcasing India's rich maritime heritage and its commitment to fostering international cooperation at sea.
Flagged off from Kochi on January 20, 2026, Lokayan 26 saw INS Sudarshini make 17 port calls across 11 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. The voyage included two transatlantic crossings and extended sailing passages through diverse maritime environments, exposing the crew to the complexities and challenges of long-distance ocean navigation.
Among the significant engagements during the deployment were the vessel's participation in the Escale à Sète maritime heritage festival in France and SAIL 250 celebrations and the International Naval Review in the United States.
One of the most demanding phases of the expedition was a transatlantic passage covering 2,200 nautical miles over 18 days, entirely under sail. The achievement, accomplished amid challenging weather and sea conditions, demonstrated the crew's endurance, coordinated teamwork and exceptional seamanship.
The expedition also provided an important platform for maritime diplomacy, with INS Sudarshini undertaking professional interactions, training exchanges and cross-training activities with the Royal Moroccan Navy, Portuguese Navy, Italian Navy, Egyptian Navy and Spanish Navy.
Through port visits, onboard interactions and engagements with members of the Indian diaspora, the vessel emerged as a floating ambassador of India's maritime heritage and goodwill, strengthening people-to-people connections and naval ties with partner countries.
The deployment also reflected India's maritime vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and the civilisational philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family).
Besides its diplomatic and cultural outreach, the expedition remained firmly anchored in its primary objective of sail training. Young officer trainees aboard the vessel gained practical exposure to ocean navigation, watchkeeping, sail handling, rigging, meteorological assessment and various aspects of shipboard operations.
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