INS Sudarshini Drops Anchor In Oman: Indian Navy’s Transoceanic Voyage ‘Lokayan 26’ Reaches First Foreign Port

Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the port of Salalah, Oman, on Tuesday (February 2, 2026), marking the first international port call of her iconic transoceanic deployment ‘Lokayan 26’. The arrival represents a key milestone in the vessel’s ten-month-long voyage.

Designed to showcase India’s maritime heritage while deepening naval diplomacy across the oceans, Lokayan 26 was flagged off last month and as part of this, INS Sudarshini will be visiting 18 ports in 13 countries.

Lokayan 26: What is it and why does it matter?

Lokayan 26 is a long-duration transoceanic expedition that reflects the Indian Navy’s emphasis on seamanship, sail training and maritime outreach. The voyage aims to reconnect with India’s ancient seafaring traditions while projecting the Navy’s role as a bridge for international cooperation and goodwill in the maritime domain.

During the ten month long deployment, INS Sudarshini will traverse approximately 22,000 nautical miles. A key highlight of the voyage is participation of the ship in Escale à Sète, France. It would make her debut at one of Europe’s premier maritime festivals in March-April 2026, during which the ship will represent India alongside renowned Tall ships.

Where did the journey begin?

INS Sudarshini sailed from her home port of Kochi on January 20, 2026, embarking on the first leg of the mission across the Arabian Sea. Navigating the region’s seasonal winds, the ship demonstrated traditional sailing skills blended with modern naval training practices, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to preserving classical maritime competencies.

The port call at Salalah highlights the deep-rooted maritime links between India and Oman, shaped by centuries of trade, cultural exchange and shared seafaring traditions. In contemporary terms, it also reflects the strategic partnership between the two nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Worth noting here is that another navy vessel – stiched ship INSV Kaundinya arrived in Muscat, Oman, on January 14, 2026, after travelling in the ancient style for 18 days from Porbandar, Gujarat. What’s makes INSV Kaundinya special is that this16-member crewed vessel is a traditionally built, hand-stitched ship, constructed using coir rope and wooden planks without metal nails.

INS Sudarshini Oman port call: What activities are planned?

During the three-day stay, INS Sudarshini’s crew will engage in a series of professional interactions and training exchanges with the Royal Navy of Oman, aimed at strengthening interoperability and mutual understanding. The ship will also be open to school children and local residents, promoting maritime awareness and enhancing people-to-people connections.

Lokayan 26 serves as a floating ambassador of India’s maritime diplomacy, reinforcing the Indian Navy’s role in building trust and cooperation across the seas. The voyage reflects India’s broader vision of the oceans as a shared space for collaboration, security and cultural exchange.

As INS Sudarshini sails along ancient trade routes and modern sea lanes, she carries the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam furthering the vision of MAHASAGAR ( Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).