INS Sudarshini Departs Egypt’s Alexandria After Naval Training And Cultural Engagements

September 27, 2026

Cairo: Indian Naval Sailing Ship INS Sudarshini has set sail from Alexandria after concluding its port call in Egypt, which featured cross-training with the Egyptian Navy, professional interactions and cultural engagements.

The ship arrived at Alexandria on September 23 as part of its ongoing Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. The port call marked INS Sudarshini’s second visit to Alexandria during the deployme

INS Sudarshini Strengthens India-Egypt Naval Ties

During its stay, INS Sudarshini hosted India’s Ambassador to Egypt Suresh Reddy and local dignitaries.

The Indian Navy said the engagements included cross-training with the Egyptian Navy and professional interactions, which helped promote mutual understanding and further strengthen friendship between the two navies.

Alexandria Naval Base Commander Rear Admiral Mohamed Abdel Aziz, along with representatives of the Indian Embassy, received the ship upon its arrival.

22,000-Nautical-Mile Lokayan 26 Expedition

The 10-month Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition began from Kochi on January 20. INS Sudarshini is scheduled to cover approximately 22,000 nautical miles across 18 ports in 13 countries.

Since the beginning of the voyage, the three-masted barque has traversed the Arabian, Red and Mediterranean Seas, transited the Suez Canal and participated in France’s prestigious Escale à Sète maritime festival, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The ship also undertook its first historic Atlantic crossing, reaching Antigua on May 27 after a 19-day passage from Cape Verde. During the journey, it crossed the milestone of 10,000 nautical miles since departing Kochi. It later sailed to the Azores and Portugal.

During the ongoing expedition, naval trainees have gained extensive experience in long-range ocean navigation and traditional seamanship. The Mediterranean passage has further provided hands-on exposure to open-sea manoeuvring, sail handling and traditional maritime practices.

The Ministry of Defence said Lokayan 26 reflects the Indian Navy’s continued focus on professional training, maritime outreach and strengthening friendship and cooperation with partner nations.

Through the deployment, INS Sudarshini has also served as a floating ambassador of India’s maritime heritage, carrying the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) across the oceans.