Training ship INS Sudarshini embarks on transoceanic expedition

Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini on Tuesday embarked on a ten-month-long transoceanic expedition, during which the vessel will traverse 22,000 nautical miles, and visit 18 ports in 13 countries, officials said.  Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Southern Naval Command (SNC), Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, flagged off INS Sudarshini from the Kochi naval base, marking the commencement of Lokayan 26 — a long-range sailing expedition.  This "landmark voyage" serves as a powerful symbol of India's maritime endeavour, showcasing the nation's prominence in global maritime activities, a Navy spokesperson said.
A key highlight of the deployment will be INS Sudarshini's participation in prestigious international tall-ship events - Escale a Sète, in France, and SAIL 250, in New York, USA. In both these events, INS Sudarshini will be representing India's proud seafaring legacy and maritime traditions, as per the ministry.  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. The deployment will expose the trainees to nuances of life onboard a tall ship and provide opportunities for interaction with trainees of other Navies, fostering professional exchange and building enduring bonds of friendship. INS Sudarshini, the second sail training ship of the Indian Navy, has covered over 1,40,000 nautical miles to date. Through Lokayan 26, she continues to serve as a beacon of India's maritime strength, professionalism, and goodwill on the global stage.