INS Sudarshini concludes four-city US outreach during Lokayan 26

Indian Naval Sail Training Ship (INS) Sudarshini departed Boston, USA, on 25 July 2026, concluding the United States leg of its Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. The vessel is now sailing towards Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal), the next port of call in its 10-month international deployment.

During its U.S. deployment, INS Sudarshini participated in the SAIL 250 celebrations and the International Naval Review 250, representing India alongside naval and tall ships from several countries. The vessel made port calls at Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston, where it hosted dignitaries, members of the Indian diaspora and international naval delegations.

Lokayan 26 commenced from Kochi on 20 January 2026 and is planned as a 10-month voyage covering more than 22,000 nautical miles, 18 ports and 13 countries. The expedition is designed to provide sail training to over 200 Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard trainees while supporting professional exchanges with partner navies during overseas port calls.

Earlier in the expedition, INS Sudarshini completed its first-ever trans-Atlantic crossing, sailing from Mindelo, Cape Verde, to Antigua in a 19-day passage and crossing 10,000 nautical miles since leaving Kochi.

With the U.S. engagement completed, INS Sudarshini's deployment now enters its European phase as it proceeds to the Azores, continuing the remaining schedule of Lokayan 26.