INS Sudarshini Sets Sail on Landmark Expedition Lokayan 26
On January 20, 2026, Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, officially launched INS Sudarshini from the Naval Base in Kochi. This momentous event signifies the beginning of Lokayan 26, a long-range sailing expedition that highlights India’s maritime aspirations and the Indian Navy’s dedication to excellence in maritime training.
A Ceremony of Significance
The flag-off ceremony was attended by numerous senior military officers, enthusiastic Naval community members, school students, families of the crew, and representatives from the media. During the event, a plaque commemorating Lokayan 26 was unveiled by the FOC-in-C. In his address to the crew, Vice Admiral Saxena emphasized that INS Sudarshini serves as India’s “Ambassador at Large,” noting that the voyage aims to build “Bridges of Friendship” worldwide. The ship then received a traditional send-off, with its three-masted sails unfurled to the stirring sounds of the Naval band.
A Grand Voyage Ahead
Over the next ten months, INS Sudarshini will embark on an ambitious journey, covering approximately 22,000 nautical miles and visiting 18 ports across 13 different countries. One of the significant highlights of the expedition will be the ship’s participation in the Escale à Sète maritime festival in France in March-April 2026, where it will proudly represent India alongside illustrious tall ships in the Mediterranean. Additionally, in July 2026, during the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations, INS Sudarshini will be part of an international flotilla, Sail 250, in New York, featured prominently during the International Parade of Sails.
About INS Sudarshini
INS Sudarshini, a 54-meter sailing training vessel built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited, boasts an impressive array of 20 sails, covering a total sail area exceeding 1,000 square meters. This ship provides an invaluable platform for sea trainees and officer cadets to hone their skills in seamanship and navigation, guided by the forces of wind and sea.
Promoting Global Unity
As INS Sudarshini navigates historic trade routes and contemporary sea lanes, it embodies the spirit of **Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam**, furthering the vision of **MAHASAGAR** (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
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