Navy welcomes INS Sudarshini in Kochi after 22,000-mile expedition
The sailing vessel completed the 10-month Lokayan 26 voyage involving 17 port calls across 11 countries.
The Indian Navy held a ceremonial welcome for INS Sudarshini in Kochi on Monday, November 2, following the conclusion of the Lokayan 26 transoceanic sailing expedition. According to reports from ANI and The Hindu, the ship returned after a 10-month journey covering more than 22,000 nautical miles across various oceans.
The vessel's arrival was celebrated with a water cannon salute and music from the Naval Band. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Southern Naval Command, presided over the Flag-in Ceremony. Saxena commended the crew for their professionalism and resilience, stating the mission reflected the Navy's high standards of seamanship and operational preparedness.
The expedition, which began on January 20, 2026, included 17 port calls in 11 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. The ship participated in the Escale à Sète maritime heritage festival in France and the SAIL 250 and International Naval Review events in the United States.
Commander Ravikant Nanduri, the commanding officer of INS Sudarshini, said the ship spent 214 days at sea and 287 days away from India. He noted that the Indian Navy was one of only two foreign navies invited to both major international events in France and the United States.
The voyage included two transatlantic crossings, with one 2,200-nautical mile passage completed entirely under sail over 18 days. The deployment also involved training exchanges and professional interactions with the Royal Moroccan Navy, Portuguese Navy, Italian Navy, Egyptian Navy, and Spanish Navy.