**Executive Summary**
The Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived in Antigua on 27 May 2026, marking its first historic trans-Atlantic crossing as part of the Lokayan 26 expedition. This 19-day leg from Cape Verde completed a 10,000 nautical mile milestone since departing Kochi in January 2026. The voyage serves to promote international maritime outreach and goodwill, with upcoming participation scheduled for SAIL 250 events in the United States.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Voyage Milestones**
* Completed a 19-day, continuous sail passage from Mindelo, Cape Verde, to Antigua, navigating challenging swells and strong winds.
* Achieved a cumulative milestone of 10,000 nautical miles since the expedition's departure from Kochi on 20 January 2026.
* Marked the first Atlantic crossing for INS Sudarshini; the last such crossing by an Indian Navy sail ship (INS Tarangini) occurred in 2007.
* **Expedition Objectives**
* Operated under the "Lokayan 26" expedition to promote maritime outreach and showcase India's seafaring traditions.
* Demonstrated traditional seamanship, endurance, and manual navigation practices through sustained watchkeeping and sail handling.
* Reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime cooperation and the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The World is One Family).
* **Diplomatic and Future Engagements**
* Received in Antigua by the Honorary Consul General of India and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.
* Following previous port calls in West Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa, the ship has now commenced its Caribbean and American phase.
* Scheduled to participate in upcoming SAIL 250 events in the United States after a visit to Norfolk, USA.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy and Ship's Crew**
**Impact**
The crew successfully demonstrated high-level seamanship and endurance, validating traditional navigation skills during the longest leg of the expedition and reaching significant maritime milestones.
**Action Required**
The crew must conduct professional interactions, cultural engagements, and community outreach in Antigua before sailing toward Norfolk, USA.
**Antigua and Barbuda (Host Nation)**
**Impact**
The arrival facilitates strengthened maritime cooperation and international goodwill between India and the Caribbean region.
**Action Required**
National defense forces and diplomatic representatives will engage in scheduled professional and cultural exchanges with the visiting Indian vessel.
**United States (Future Host)**
**Impact**
The expedition transitions into the American phase, bringing Indian seafaring traditions to major upcoming international maritime events.
**Action Required**
Coordinate and prepare for INS Sudarshini’s participation in the forthcoming SAIL 250 events and its scheduled arrival in Norfolk.
Key Entities Referenced
Lokayan 26: An Indian Navy expedition aimed at promoting maritime outreach, strengthening international goodwill, and showcasing India’s seafaring traditions.
INS Sudarshini: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship (STS) that successfully completed a historic trans-Atlantic crossing as part of a global voyage.
Indian Navy: The primary maritime service of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for executing the maritime outreach and cooperation expedition.
SAIL 250: A series of events in the United States in which INS Sudarshini is scheduled to participate as part of its American phase.
Antigua: The central location of the ship's arrival following its longest 19-day trans-Atlantic leg from Cape Verde.
Ministry of Defence
INS SUDARSHINI ARRIVES AT ANTIGUA AFTER
HISTORIC TRANS-ATLANTIC CROSSING
Posted On: 28 MAY 2026 5:31PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Sudarshini arrived at Antigua on 27 May 2026 after
successfully completing a historic trans-Atlantic passage as part of the ongoing Lokayan 26 expedition.
The ship was warmly received by Mr Vijay Tewani, the Honorary Consul General of India to Antigua and
Barbuda, and Brig Telbert Benjamin, Chief of Defence Staff of Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force
(ABDF).
The voyage marks the first Atlantic crossing by INS Sudarshini, while the last such crossing was undertaken by INS
Tarangini in 2007. The passage from Mindelo, Cape Verde to Antigua was the longest leg of the expedition,
lasting 19 days. During the voyage, the ship sailed continuously under sail, demonstrating traditional
seamanship and endurance at sea. The crossing involved challenging sea conditions, including heavy
swells and strong winds. The crew successfully navigated these conditions through sustained
watchkeeping, coordinated sail handling, and traditional navigation practices.
During this leg, INS Sudarshini also crossed the milestone of 10,000 nautical miles since her departure from
Kochi on 20 Jan 2026. Lokayan 26 is aimed at promoting maritime outreach, strengthening international
goodwill, and showcasing India’s rich seafaring traditions. The voyage reflects the Indian Navy’s
continued commitment to maritime cooperation and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — ‘The World
is One Family’.
Following successful port calls across West Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa, the ship has now
commenced the Caribbean and American phase of the expedition, including participation in the
forthcoming SAIL 250 events in the United States.
During the visit to Antigua, the ship’s crew will participate in professional interactions, cultural
engagements, and community outreach activities before proceeding to Norfolk, USA.***
VM/SPS
(Release ID: 2266274) Visitor Counter : 1843
Read this release in: Urdu , ही