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The Indian Navy on Tuesday flagged off Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini from Naval Base Kochi, launching Lokayan 26, a ten-month transoceanic sailing expedition that will take the three-masted barque across major sea lanes of the world. It marked the start of a voyage aimed at showcasing India’s rich seafaring heritage while strengthening maritime cooperation with partner nations.
Addressing the crew, the FOC-in-C Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, described INS Sudarshini as India’s “Ambassador at Large”, noting that the mission was as much about building goodwill and friendship as it was about professional training and ocean sailing during the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday.
INS Sudarshini will cover nearly 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 ports across 13 countries during the deployment. A major highlight of the voyage will be the ship’s participation in Escale à Sète, one of Europe’s leading maritime festivals, during March–April 2026, according to the Indian Navy. Making her debut at the event, the Indian Navy sail training ship will sail alongside some of the world’s most celebrated tall ships in the Mediterranean.
Later in the year, Sudarshini will also take part in Sail 250 at New York, joining an international flotilla during the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations in July 2026, including the International Parade of Sails.
INS Sudarshini is a 54-metre sail training vessel equipped with 20 sails spread over more than 1,000 square metres. It is built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited. Designed to train officer cadets and sea trainees, the ship provides hands-on experience in traditional seamanship and navigation.
Team BharatShakti
