The Indian Navy’s three-masted sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the port city of Alexandria in Egypt on 23 September 2026 as part of its Lokayan 26 expedition. This marks the vessel’s second visit to Alexandria during the ongoing 10-month international voyage that began in January 2026. The arrival involved formal reception by Egyptian Navy officials and Indian diplomatic representatives, with plans for professional exchanges and joint activities between the two navies.
Key facts
- INS Sudarshini arrived at Alexandria, Egypt on 23 September 2026
- Lokayan 26 began from Kochi on 20 January 2026
- Total voyage distance: approximately 22,000 nautical miles
- Number of ports: 18 ports across 13 countries
- Ship crossed 10,000 nautical miles milestone after reaching Antigua on 27 May 2026
- Atlantic crossing took 19 days from Cape Verde
- Arrived at Lisbon on 22 August 2026, marking the 15th port visit
- Received by Rear Admiral Mohamed Abdel Aziz, Commander of Alexandria Naval Base
- Previous major port calls included Sète in France and Antigua, Azores and Lisbon
About INS Sudarshini and Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini is a three-masted barque operated by the Indian Navy primarily for sail training purposes. The vessel carries naval trainees and cadets on extended ocean voyages to provide practical experience in seamanship, navigation and traditional sailing techniques. Lokayan 26 is the ship’s transoceanic expedition spanning ten months, designed as both a training deployment and a diplomatic mission to strengthen maritime ties with partner nations.
The voyage represents a comprehensive circumnavigation of oceanic regions, taking the ship through diverse maritime zones including the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The transit through the Suez Canal was a significant milestone, enabling the ship to move between Eastern and Western hemispheres efficiently.
Training and seamanship experience
During the expedition, trainees aboard INS Sudarshini have gained extensive hands-on experience in long-range ocean navigation and traditional sailing methods. The Mediterranean passage provided particular opportunities for practical training in open-sea manoeuvring, sail handling and seamanship under varying oceanic conditions. Such extended voyages serve as immersive training platforms where young naval personnel develop proficiency in navigation techniques, weather management and crew coordination at sea.
Diplomatic significance and port activities
Beyond training objectives, the Lokayan 26 expedition functions as a platform for maritime diplomacy. At each port, including Alexandria, INS Sudarshini facilitates professional interactions, courtesy calls and cross-deck visits with host nation navies. These activities enable naval personnel from different countries to exchange professional experiences, discuss maritime cooperation frameworks and strengthen relationships between nations.
The arrival at Alexandria involved formal reception protocols with the Egyptian Navy, indicating the importance placed on India-Egypt maritime relations. The port call schedule includes professional interactions focused on strengthening existing maritime ties between the two countries.
Connection to India’s maritime vision
The Lokayan 26 expedition aligns with India’s broader maritime strategy. The Ministry of Defence has positioned INS Sudarshini as a floating ambassador representing India’s seafaring heritage and maritime culture. The expedition carries forward the philosophical concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and advances the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), which emphasizes cooperative maritime development across regions bordering the Indian Ocean and beyond.
What this means for you
If you are a student aspiring to join the Indian Navy or interested in maritime careers, INS Sudarshini represents the kind of professional training opportunities available. The expedition demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to developing skilled personnel through practical, extended-duration deployments.
For those studying international relations or naval strategy, Lokayan 26 illustrates how military vessels serve diplomatic purposes, strengthening bilateral relationships through professional exchanges. The voyage also showcases India’s capacity in maritime operations and its commitment to regional cooperation in maritime security and development.