The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrives at its home port in Kochi on November 2 after completing ‘Lokayan 2026’, a 10-month transoceanic voyage. | Photo Credit: PTI The Indian Navy on Monday (November 2) accorded a ceremonial welcome to INS Sudarshini on completion of Lokayan 26, a 10-month transoceanic sailing expedition, as the ship returned to Kochi.The ship, which completed the voyage spanning over 22,000 nautical miles across the oceans, was honoured with a water cannon salute and a ceremonial welcome by the Naval Band.The Flag-in Ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.Lokayan 26 was flagged off from Kochi on January 20, 2026. The voyage witnessed 17 distinct port calls in 11 countries, spanning Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.
The deployment included two transatlantic crossings and extensive sailing passages through diverse maritime environments, providing invaluable exposure to the challenges of long-distance ocean sailing, according to the Navy.Professional interactions, training exchanges, cross-training activities with the Royal Moroccan Navy, Portuguese Navy, Italian Navy, Egyptian Navy and Spanish Navy were among the major highlights of Lokayan 26, the Navy said in a release. Published - November 02, 2026 09:08 pm IST