**Summary of INS Sudarshini’s Arrival in Sète, France**
On March 26, 2026, the Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, arrived at the port city of Sète, France. This visit is a key component of the ongoing "Lokayan-26" transoceanic expedition, aimed at bolstering maritime cooperation and cultural diplomacy.
**Event Participation and Objectives**
The vessel is scheduled to participate in "Escale à Sète," recognized as one of Europe’s most prestigious maritime festivals for traditional tall ships and seafaring communities. Serving as a "Floating Ambassador," INS Sudarshini’s presence is intended to:
* Showcase India’s rich maritime heritage on a global platform.
* Foster international camaraderie.
* Strengthen bilateral naval partnerships.
**Voyage Metrics and Progress**
Prior to arriving in France, INS Sudarshini covered a distance of approximately 5,500 nautical miles. The journey included successful port calls at the following locations:
* **Oman:** Salalah
* **Egypt:** Safaga and Alexandria
* **Malta:** Valletta
**Document Metadata**
* **Issuing Authority:** Ministry of Defence (PIB Delhi)
* **Post Date:** March 27, 2026, at 5:04 PM
* **Release ID:** 2246112
* **Visitor Counter:** 484
* **Language Options:** English, Urdu, and Hindi
Key Entities Referenced
INS Sudarshini: The Indian Navy’s sail training ship undertaking a transoceanic expedition to showcase maritime heritage and foster international partnerships.
Lokayan-26: A landmark transoceanic expedition by the Indian Navy involving maritime cooperation and cultural diplomacy.
Escale à Sète: A prestigious maritime festival in Europe for traditional tall ships and seafaring communities in which the Indian Navy is participating.
Sète, France: The historic port city and primary location hosting the 'Escale à Sète' festival and the INS Sudarshini visit.
Ministry of Defence
INS SUDARSHINI ARRIVES AT SÈTE, FRANCE
The ship will participate in the prestigious ‘Escale à Sète’
maritime festival
Posted On: 27 MAR 2026 5:04PM by PIB Delhi
The Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, arrived at the historic port city of Sète on 26 Mar
2026 as part of the ongoing landmark transoceanic expedition Lokayan-26. The visit marks a
significant milestone in the ship’s journey and underscores India’s commitment to maritime cooperation
and cultural diplomacy.
During its stay, INS Sudarshini will participate in the prestigious ‘Escale à Sète’, one of the most
celebrated gatherings in Europe of traditional tall ships and seafaring communities. The festival
offers a unique platform for showcasing India’s maritime heritage on the global stage while fostering
international camaraderie and strengthening naval partnerships.
Prior to its arrival in Sète, INS Sudarshini successfully completed port calls at Salalah, Oman; Safaga and
Alexandria, Egypt; and Valletta, Malta; covering a distance of approximately 5,500 nautical miles.
Throughout its voyage, the ship has served as the ‘Floating Ambassador’, showcasing the nation's rich
maritime heritage whilst engaging with the global community.***
VM/SPS 55/26
(Release ID: 2246112) Visitor Counter : 484
Read this release in: Urdu , ही