INS Sudarshini Arrives in Alexandria, Marking Its Second Visit to Egypt in 10 Months
The Indian Navys training ship INS Sudarshini arrives in Alexandria, Egypt, as part of its intercontinental voyage, enhancing maritime cooperation.
Alexandria, September 24 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, has docked at the historic port city of Alexandria, Egypt. This marks the ship’s second visit to the city within a span of ten months.
INS Sudarshini is currently on its Lokayan 26 mission, a ten-month intercontinental maritime expedition. During this journey, the ship has traversed the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Mediterranean Sea, and has successfully navigated the Suez Canal. It also participated in the renowned Escale à Sète maritime festival in France.
The voyage began on January 20, 2026, from Kochi. Over the course of this ten-month mission, INS Sudarshini will cover approximately 22,000 nautical miles, stopping at 18 ports across 13 different countries.
Throughout the journey, naval trainees are gaining practical experience in long sea operations, ship handling in open waters, sail management, and traditional maritime skills.
Upon arrival in Alexandria, INS Sudarshini was welcomed by Rear Admiral Mohamed Abdel Aziz, commander of the Alexandria naval base, along with representatives from the Indian embassy.
Several professional activities are planned between the Indian and Egyptian navies, including formal meetings, ship tours, and professional discussions. These interactions are expected to strengthen maritime cooperation and mutual relations between the two nations. Notably, INS Sudarshini has achieved a historic milestone by completing its first Atlantic Ocean crossing, reaching Antigua after a 19-day sea journey from Cape Verde on May 27, 2026.
After departing Kochi, the ship covered 10,000 nautical miles before arriving in the Azores and Portugal. It completed its 15th port visit in just seven months when it reached Lisbon on August 22. This three-masted vessel serves not only as a training platform for naval personnel but also as a symbol of India’s rich maritime heritage.
Through Lokayan 26, the Indian Navy is enhancing professional training while fostering maritime connections and friendships with various countries. During its long voyage, INS Sudarshini is also spreading the message of India’s ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and the importance of oceans across the globe.
