Salalah | The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini has successfully completed the first port call of its landmark trans-oceanic expedition Lokayan 26 at Salalah, Oman, on February 5, 2026, marking an important step in strengthening India–Oman maritime ties.
The ten-month global voyage aims to showcase India’s maritime heritage while promoting the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family—through naval diplomacy and cultural outreach.
During the port visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini held interactions 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 engagements highlighted centuries-old seafaring connections between India and Oman and reaffirmed the strong professional bonds between the two navies.
As part of the visit, officers from the Royal Navy of Oman were hosted onboard INS Sudarshini for a guided tour, enabling deeper professional exchanges and mutual understanding of training practices and maritime traditions.
The port call also featured strong people-to-people engagement. The ship was opened to the public, welcoming over 600 visitors, including schoolchildren, who experienced the distinctive three-masted barque and learned about traditional ocean sailing and life at sea.
INS Sudarshini has now set sail for the next leg of Lokayan 26, continuing its journey across the world’s oceans. The voyage stands as a living symbol of India’s enduring seafaring legacy, maritime professionalism, and commitment to international friendship and goodwill.
