The journey will include visits to 18 international ports in 13 countries, marking it as one of the Indian Navy’s most significant sail training missions in recent history. Officials emphasized that this expedition forms part of the ongoing initiatives to showcase India’s maritime heritage and enhance professional collaboration with partner navies globally, as stated in their announcement.
INS Sudarshini Lokayan 26 mission: Planned Activities
INS Sudarshini’s schedule features participation in two prominent international tall-ship events. The ship will take part in Escale à Sète in France and SAIL 250 in New York, both gatherings that unite historic sailing ships and training vessels from navies worldwide.
ALSO READ | India’s hand-stitched vessel INSV Kaundinya retraces ancient maritime routes, reaches Oman
During its port visits, INS Sudarshini will showcase India’s rich seafaring traditions and its legacy of sail training. The ship is anticipated to engage in outreach activities and professional exchanges with other vessels participating in the events, as mentioned in the statement.
Training Opportunities for Navy and Coast Guard Cadets
Over 200 trainees from the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard will participate in this deployment. The programme aims to provide practical exposure to long-distance navigation, watchkeeping, and traditional seamanship under sail.
Life aboard a tall ship is demanding, with long sea legs, minimal automation, and dependence on wind conditions forming a critical part of the training experience. This deployment will also present trainees with opportunities to interact with peers from foreign navies, fostering informal learning and professional exchanges.
Maritime Engagement and Cooperation
Beyond training, INS Sudarshini will undertake maritime partnership interactions with host countries during its port calls. These activities align with India’s broader maritime cooperation strategies, including the MAHASAGAR framework.
Officials highlighted that such deployments aim to bolster operational familiarity, trust, and coordination with regional and global maritime partners.
About INS Sudarshini
Commissioned as the Indian Navy’s second sail training ship, INS Sudarshini has already covered over 1,40,000 nautical miles in prior missions. Through Lokayan 26, the vessel continues its function as a platform for training, outreach, and sustained naval presence.
The expedition is expected to conclude later in 2026, after fulfilling its scheduled port visits and training goals.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
First Published: Jan 20, 2026 11:14 AM IST
