**Executive Summary**
The Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, arrived at Casablanca, Morocco, on 15 April 2026, as part of the "Lokayan 26" transoceanic deployment. The three-day visit aims to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation and maritime engagement under the "MAHASAGAR" vision. Key activities include high-level professional discussions, training exchanges, and cultural interactions between the two navies.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Deployment and Strategic Vision**
* **Mission:** INS Sudarshini’s port call is a key milestone of the Lokayan 26 expedition, focusing on international outreach and ocean sailing proficiency.
* **MAHASAGAR Vision:** The visit aligns with the Indian Navy’s vision for "Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region."
* **Diplomatic Goals:** The deployment promotes the spirit of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* (the world is one family) and reinforces India's commitment to global maritime cooperation.
**Naval Cooperation and Engagement**
* **High-Level Meetings:** The Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini held discussions with Moroccan naval leadership, including the Commander of the Central Maritime Sector and the Director of the Royal Naval School.
* **Operational Collaboration:** Focus areas include exploring avenues for enhanced maritime collaboration and training exchanges between the Indian and Moroccan navies.
* **Interaction Schedule:** Over the three-day stay, the crew and trainees will engage with Royal Moroccan Navy personnel, host officials onboard, and participate in professional and cultural exchanges.
**Historical Context of Bilateral Ties**
* **Previous Ship Visits:** Within the past year, four other Indian Naval ships—INS Tabar, INS Tarkash, INS Sumedha, and INS Tushil—have visited Casablanca to enhance interoperability.
* **Reciprocal Visits:** In November 2025, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, visited the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy (Crew and Trainees)**
**Impact**
The crew and trainees receive significant exposure to international maritime corridors, historic sea routes, and cross-cultural naval practices.
**Action Required**
Participate in scheduled professional interactions, training exchanges, and diplomatic hosting duties during the three-day port call.
**Royal Moroccan Navy**
**Impact**
The visit facilitates the sharing of maritime expertise and strengthens mutual trust and interoperability with the Indian Navy.
**Action Required**
Engage in collaborative discussions regarding maritime training and participate in professional exchanges with the visiting Indian crew.
**Indian and Moroccan Governments**
**Impact**
The visit serves as a diplomatic tool to underscore the strengthening of bilateral relations and sustained maritime engagement between the two nations.
**Action Required**
Continue to support and facilitate regular naval deployments and official visits to maintain the momentum of naval cooperation.
Key Entities Referenced
MAHASAGAR: The Indian Navy's vision for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region, which guides high-level maritime engagement.
Lokayan 26: The specific transoceanic deployment and expedition initiative undertaken by the Indian Navy's sail training ship.
INS Sudarshini: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship executing the port call and participating in maritime collaboration and training exchanges.
Casablanca, Morocco: The central location for the naval visit, serving as a milestone for strengthening bilateral relations and naval cooperation.
Ministry of Defence
INS SUDARSHINI ARRIVES AT CASABLANCA,
MOROCCO
Posted On: 16 APR 2026 7:06PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, INS Sudarshini, made port call at Casablanca, Morocco on 15 Apr
2026, as part of its ongoing transoceanic deployment under Lokayan 26. The ship’s arrival at this
prominent port marks an important milestone in the expedition and reflects Indian Navy’s sustained efforts
to enhance maritime engagement in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic
Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region). The visit further underscores the
strengthening of bilateral relations and naval cooperation between India and Morocco.
On arrival, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini called on Cmde Hassan Akouli, Commander of the
Central Maritime Sector, Moroccan Navy, and Cmde Omar Nasri, Director of the Royal Naval School,
Morocco. Discussions focused on exploring avenues for enhanced maritime collaboration and training
exchanges between the two navies.
During the three-day visit, the crew of INS Sudarshini will engage with personnel of the Royal Moroccan
Navy, host senior officials and distinguished guests onboard, and participate in professional and cultural
interactions aimed at further strengthening naval cooperation, diplomatic ties, and goodwill. The visit also
provides valuable exposure to the crew and trainees, while highlighting India’s expanding maritime
engagement, international outreach, and proficiency in ocean sailing.
It may be noted that over the past year, four Indian Naval ships – INS Tabar, INS Tarkash, INS
Sumedha, and INS Tushil have visited Casablanca, significantly enhancing mutual trust and
interoperability. Further, RAdm Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Morrocon Navy had visited
Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy in Nov 2025 as part of his official visit to India.
As INS Sudarshini continues its voyage across historic sea routes and international maritime corridors, the
expedition promotes the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, reinforcing India’s commitment to global
maritime cooperation and goodwill._____________________________________________________________
VM/SPS 73/26
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