The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini successfully concluded her first port call at Salalah, Oman, on February 5, 2026, marking a significant milestone in her ambitious ten-month trans-oceanic voyage, Lokayan 26. The visit underscored India’s commitment to showcasing its rich maritime heritage and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family) while deepening maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties with Oman.
A Key Milestone in Lokayan 26
Lokayan 26 is a flagship outreach and training voyage aimed at projecting India’s seafaring legacy across the world’s oceans. The successful port call at Salalah represents the first major international engagement of the mission and sets the tone for the journey ahead, combining naval diplomacy, training excellence, and cultural outreach.
With this visit, INS Sudarshini reaffirmed India’s long-standing maritime connections with the Indian Ocean littoral and highlighted the role of the Indian Navy in fostering goodwill and cooperation across friendly nations.
High-Level Naval Interactions
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini interacted with Captain Mohammad Al Ghailani, Southern Naval Area Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), and Captain Mohammad Al Mahari, Commanding Officer of RNO Vessel Al Moazer. The discussions highlighted the historic seafaring links between India and Oman and reinforced the enduring Bridges of Friendship between the two navies.
Continuing professional engagement, INS Sudarshini also hosted officers from the Royal Navy of Oman for a guided tour of the ship, facilitating exchange of experiences and strengthening naval-to-naval cooperation.
People-to-People Connect and Public Outreach
In a vibrant display of people-to-people engagement, the sail training ship was opened to visitors during the port call. More than 600 visitors, including schoolchildren, were welcomed on board and given a firsthand view of the three-masted barque. Visitors were familiarised with the nuances of ocean sailing, naval traditions, and the role of sail training in building seamanship and leadership skills.
The outreach reflected India’s emphasis on using naval diplomacy not only for strategic engagement but also for cultural exchange and public connect.
Sailing Ahead with India’s Maritime Legacy
Following the successful Salalah port call, INS Sudarshini now proceeds on the next leg of Lokayan 26, carrying forward India’s timeless seafaring tradition across the oceans. With sails set and spirits high, the ship continues to serve as a symbol of maritime excellence, friendship, and goodwill, representing India’s enduring connection with the seas and its partners in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
Conclusion
The first port call of Lokayan 26 at Salalah marks a promising start to INS Sudarshini’s global voyage, strengthening India–Oman maritime ties and reinforcing the Indian Navy’s role in naval diplomacy, training, and cultural outreach. As the journey continues, the ship will keep carrying India’s message of heritage, cooperation, and shared maritime future across the world’s oceans.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
