INS Sudarshini embarks on transoceanic expedition

• Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini embarked on a 10-month transoceanic expedition — Lokayan 26 — from Kochi naval base on January 20. 

• Built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited, INS Sudarshini is a 54-m sail training ship equipped with 20 sails covering a sail area of more than 1,000 square metres.

• The vessel will traverse 22,000 nautical miles, and visit 18 ports in 13 countries.

• This voyage serves as a powerful symbol of India’s maritime endeavour, showcasing the nation's prominence in global maritime activities.

• 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.

• One of the key highlights of the voyage is the participation of the ship in Escale a Sete in France.

• Debuting at one of Europe’s premier maritime festivals over March-April, INS Sudarshini will represent India alongside renowned tall ships in the Mediterranean.

• Moreover, as part of the USA’s 250th Independence Day celebrations in July 2026, the ship will join a grand international flotilla — Sail 250 at New York — during the International Parade of Sails.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)