INS Sudarshini sets sail on Lokayan 26 expedition from Kochi
The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini was flagged off from Kochi on 20 January 2026 for Lokayan 26, a ten-month transoceanic expedition covering about 22,000 nautical miles.
Summary
Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, flagged off INS Sudarshini from Naval Base, Kochi, and unveiled the Lokayan 26 plaque. During the ten-month deployment the three-masted barque will sail about 22,000 nautical miles and visit 18 ports in 13 countries. A key highlight is the ship's debut at Escale à Sète in France, one of Europe's premier maritime festivals. The voyage reflects the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the vision of MAHASAGAR.
Key facts
- Flagged off
- 20 January 2026, Naval Base Kochi
- By
- Vice Adm Sameer Saxena, FOC-in-C, Southern Naval Command
- Ship
- INS Sudarshini, three-masted barque
- Duration
- About ten months
- Distance
- About 22,000 nautical miles; 18 ports in 13 countries
- Highlight
- Debut at Escale à Sète, France
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Which Indian Navy sail training ship set off on the Lokayan 26 expedition on 20 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — INS Sudarshini
PIB (Defence): INS Sudarshini was flagged off from Kochi for Lokayan 26.
During Lokayan 26, INS Sudarshini is scheduled to visit how many ports in how many countries?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 18 ports in 13 countries
PIB (Defence): the ship will traverse about 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 ports in 13 countries.