The Indian Navy accorded a grand ceremonial welcome to its Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini upon its return to Kochi on November 2, 2026, following the successful completion of Lokayan 26, a ten-month transoceanic sailing expedition covering more than 22,000 nautical miles across the world’s oceans.
The homecoming ceremony was marked by a water cannon salute and a ceremonial welcome by the Naval Band, as proud family members gathered to receive the crew after their extraordinary maritime journey. The Flag-in Ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.
Flagged off from Kochi on January 20, 2026, Lokayan 26 witnessed 17 distinct port calls across 11 countries, spanning Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. The expedition included two transatlantic crossings and extensive sailing passages through diverse maritime environments.
One of the major highlights of the voyage was INS Sudarshini’s participation in the Escale à Sète maritime heritage festival in France and the SAIL 250 celebrations and International Naval Review in the United States.
During the expedition, the ship successfully completed a challenging transatlantic passage covering 2,200 nautical miles over 19 days, marking the longest distance covered exclusively under sail. The achievement demonstrated the crew’s exceptional seamanship, endurance, teamwork and ability to navigate demanding ocean conditions.
Lokayan 26 also served as an important platform for strengthening international maritime cooperation. The crew participated in professional interactions, training exchanges and cross-training activities with the Royal Moroccan Navy, Portuguese Navy, Italian Navy, Egyptian Navy and Spanish Navy.
Beyond diplomatic engagement, the expedition focused on its core objective of sail training. Young officer trainees gained valuable hands-on experience in ocean navigation, watchkeeping, sail handling, rigging, meteorological assessment and shipboard operations.
Congratulating the crew, Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena commended their perseverance, professionalism, resilience and devotion to duty. He highlighted that the successful completion of the expedition reflected the Indian Navy’s high standards of sail training, seamanship and operational preparedness.
The voyage also showcased India’s rich maritime heritage and reflected the country’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and the civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.