The Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Valletta, Malta on March 12, 2026, as part of its "Lokayan-26" expedition. This visit, a key segment of the ship's 22,000-nautical-mile global voyage, aims to strengthen maritime ties between India and Malta. The voyage commenced from Kochi on January 20, 2026, and the ship had previously transited the Suez Canal and made a port call at Alexandria.
During the visit, the Commanding Officer met with Ms. Rachita Bhandari, High Commissioner of India to Malta, to discuss enhancing the bilateral relationship. The High Commissioner highlighted the significance of INS Sudarshini's presence as a symbol of MAHASAGAR, promoting maritime cooperation and people-to-people connections.
The ship's crew will engage in professional interactions and courtesy calls with the Armed Forces of Malta, aiming to foster trust and interoperability. Community outreach activities, including an "Open Ship" event for schoolchildren and the Indian diaspora, are also planned.
Following its stay in Malta, INS Sudarshini will proceed to France to participate in the Escale à Sète maritime festival, representing India among other celebrated tall ships.
Key Entities Referenced
INS Sudarshini: Indian Naval Sail Training Ship involved in a global voyage and maritime diplomacy.
Lokayan-26: The transoceanic expedition undertaken by INS Sudarshini.
MAHASAGAR: A vision for reinforcing maritime cooperation.
Valletta, Malta: Location of a significant port call and focus of maritime interactions.
Rachita Bhandari: High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Malta, who met with the ship's command.
Ministry of Defence
INDIAN NAVAL SAIL TRAINING SHIP INS
SUDARSHINI ARRIVES AT VALLETTA, MALTA,
BOLSTERING MEDITERRANEAN MARITIME
TIES
Posted On: 14 MAR 2026 10:35AM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the historic port of Valletta, Malta on 12
Mar 2026, marking a significant milestone in her landmark transoceanic expedition Lokayan-26.
The visit underscores the deep-rooted maritime ties between India and Malta and represents an important
leg of the ship’s ambitious 22,000-nautical-mile global voyage. The arrival at Valletta follows a
successful transit through the Suez Canal and a recent port call at Alexandria.
On arrival, the Commanding Officer called on Ms. Rachita Bhandari, High Commissioner of India to the
Republic of Malta. The interaction highlighted the role played by Indian Navy in strengthening bilateral
relationship between the two nations. The High Commissioner noted that the presence of INS Sudarshini
in Malta serves as a powerful symbol of the vision of MAHASAGAR, reinforcing maritime cooperation
while fostering people-to-people connections.
During the visit, the ship’s crew will engage in professional interactions and courtesy calls with the Armed
Forces of Malta, further promoting mutual trust and interoperability. The ship will also host community
outreach activities, including a guided “Open Ship” for schoolchildren and members of the Indian
diaspora in Malta.
INS Sudarshini is currently in the second month of her voyage, which commenced at Kochi on 20
Jan 2026. Following the visit to Malta, the ship will sail towards the French coast to participate in the
Escale à Sète maritime festival, where she will proudly represent India alongside some of the world’s
most celebrated tall ships.____________________________________________________________
VM/SKY 48/26
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