The United States is gearing up for a grand 250th Independence anniversary celebration in a few months and India is set to play a visible role in one of the largest maritime spectacles in modern history. Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini (A77) is confirmed to participate in President Donald Trump’s America 250th Independence anniversary celebrations in July 2026.
“Sudarshini” means “beautiful lady Sundari” after the younger half-sister of Buddha. The ship has been designed by Colin Mudie. INS Sudarshini is a Class A vessel capable of operations under sail or power, and with a complement of 5 officers, 31 sailors with 30 cadets embarked for training, she can remain at sea for at least 20 days at a time.
The Indian Navy vessel will attend the Sail 250th event in New York Harbor, marking the United States’ 250th Independence Day later this year on July 4, 2026.
INS Sudarshini to join global gathering of naval power and heritage
The week-long international maritime celebration will bring together more than 50 Class A and Class B tall ships from 30 countries, alongside another 50 US and allied grey-hulled naval vessels, the luxury liner Queen Mary 2, and thousands of civilian boats.
The six-day centerpiece of America’s Semiquincentennial will feature the largest international flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels ever assembled. India’s participation places it among a select group of nations dispatching naval training ships and goodwill ambassadors, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Canada and Japan.
International parade of sail through New York Harbor
The centrepiece of the celebrations will be the International Parade of Sail, in which vessels will enter New York Harbor from the Verrazzano Bridge, proceed up to the George Washington Bridge, pass in presidential review, and salute the Statue of Liberty. The spectacle will echo iconic maritime celebrations held during America’s 1976 Bicentennial and other historic milestones.
The US Coast Guard Barque Eagle will lead the parade on July 4.
Events expected to break all records
Moreover, the multi-day celebration will feature an International Parade of Tall Ships; an International Naval Review (INR250) attended by government leaders; the Blue Angels will lead an International Aerial Review; a specially scheduled Fleet Week; fireworks, food festivals, an exhibition of historical documents.
Organisers expect the 2026 event to surpass all previous OpSail celebrations. “We expect the Semiquincentennial celebration in New York to surpass the previous historic OpSail events,” said Chris O’Brien, President of Sail4th 250, adding that preparations were on track to deliver a nationwide highlight.
Fleet week, air shows and fireworks
Celebrations will begin with a Class B tall ships parade down the East River on July 3, followed by the arrival of larger Class A vessels the next morning. An estimated eight million spectators are expected across New York and New Jersey, witnessing an international naval review, aerial displays, iconic Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks etc.
According to the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Sail4th 250 is projected to generate an estimated $2.85 billion economic impact through tourism and event-related spending.
INS Sudarshini for the public
Once berthed, tall ships, including INS Sudarshini, will be open for free public visits until July 8, giving visitors a rare opportunity to step aboard historic naval platforms from around the world.
A Class A three-masted barque, INS Sudarshini was built by Goa Shipyard Ltd and commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2012. Designed by renowned naval architect Colin Mudie, it is a successor to INS Tarangini and serves as a premier sail training and leadership development platform.
The vessel measures 54 metres in length, carries 20 sails, over 7.5 kilometres of rope, and has a sail area exceeding 1,000 square metres. It can remain at sea for 20 days and operate under both sail and engine power, with a complement of officers, sailors and up to 30 naval cadets.