Indian Navy ship INS Sudarshini returns to Kochi after global voyage

The Indian Navy's three-masted training ship, INS Sudarshini, has returned to Kochi following the successful completion of the Lokayan 26 expedition. The 10-month transoceanic voyage, which began on January 20, 2026, covered approximately 22,000 nautical miles (41,000 km).

The vessel visited 17 to 18 ports across 11 countries, spanning Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. Key locations included Oman, Egypt, France, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Portugal, the United States, Malta, Cape Verde, and Antigua. Notably, the mission included two transatlantic crossings and marked the first time an Indian Navy ship visited the Canary Islands.

During the deployment, the ship participated in international maritime events, including the Escale à Sète festival in France and the Sail 250 and International Naval Review in the United States. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command, presided over the Flag-in Ceremony, commending the crew for their seamanship and contribution to maritime diplomacy.