**Executive Summary**
INS Sudarshini, the Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, successfully concluded its participation in the "Escale à Sète 2026" maritime festival in France, departing on 07 April 2026. The visit served to celebrate seafaring heritage and commemorate the 400th anniversary of the French Navy through ceremonial parades and cultural exchanges. The ship is currently en route to Casablanca to continue its maritime mission under Lokayan 26.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Festival Participation and Achievements**
* Engaged in "Escale à Sète," a major biennial maritime gathering in the Mediterranean focused on global seafaring heritage.
* The Indian Naval marching contingent participated in the Heritage City Parade to mark the 400th anniversary of the French Navy.
* The Sudarshini rowing team earned a bronze medal during the Jeux Maritimes sporting events.
* The vessel participated in the "Grande Parade de Départ," a ceremonial sail-past marking the festival's conclusion.
**Diplomatic and Cultural Outreach**
* The ship opened its decks to thousands of visitors, providing insights into its role and naval capabilities.
* A joint yoga session was held with the crews of the FS Étoile (France) and ITS Corsaro (Italy) to promote well-being and harmony.
* Ambassador Sanjeev Singla hosted an official onboard reception for international dignitaries, emphasizing maritime cooperation between the Indian and French navies.
**Mission Continuity**
* Following its departure from France, INS Sudarshini is proceeding to Casablanca.
* The voyage is part of "Lokayan 26," a mission dedicated to strengthening international maritime ties.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Navy / INS Sudarshini Crew**
**Impact**
The crew successfully demonstrated discipline and ceremonial excellence on an international stage while achieving a podium finish in maritime sports. The mission furthered professional training and international visibility.
**Action Required**
The crew must now execute the next phase of the Lokayan 26 mission as they transit to Casablanca.
**French Navy and International Partners**
**Impact**
Bilateral maritime bonds were deepened through joint activities, workshops, and the commemoration of the French Navy's 400th anniversary.
**Action Required**
Maintain the momentum of growing maritime cooperation and the legacy of shared seafaring heritage highlighted during the event.
**General Public / Visitors**
**Impact**
Thousands of attendees gained cultural and technical insights into the Indian Navy's heritage and the specific capabilities of its sail training ships.
**Action Required**
No specific action required; impact is limited to cultural engagement and awareness.
Key Entities Referenced
INS Sudarshini: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship that participated in international maritime activities and cultural exchanges during the festival.
Escale à Sète 2026: A biennial maritime festival in the Mediterranean celebrating seafaring heritage and serving as the primary event for Indian naval participation.
Lokayan 26: The specific naval deployment mission aimed at strengthening international maritime ties and cooperation.
Shri Sanjeev Singla: Ambassador of India to France who hosted an official reception and emphasized maritime cooperation between India and France.
Sète, France: The port city and central location for the maritime gatherings, cultural parades, and diplomatic engagements described in the policy.
Ministry of Defence
INS SUDARSHINI DEPARTS SÈTE, FRANCE
AFTER PARTICIPATION IN ESCALE À SÈTE 2026
Posted On: 08 APR 2026 4:36PM by PIB Delhi
INS Sudarshini, the Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, departed the port city of Sète on 07 Apr 2026,
marking successful culmination of her participation in the renowned Escale à Sète. This biennial festival is
amongst the largest maritime gatherings in the Mediterranean, celebrating global seafaring heritage.
During the event, INS Sudarshini actively engaged in a range of maritime activities alongside international
tall ships. The ship’s crew participated in cultural exchanges, maritime workshops, and sporting events
integral to the festival program.
A major highlight was the participation of the Indian Naval marching contingent in the Heritage
City Parade, commemorating 400th anniversary of the French Navy. Marching through the historic
streets of Sète, while proudly displaying the Indian tricolour, the contingent delivered a flawless display of
discipline, unity, and ceremonial excellence.
Adding to the accolades, the Sudarshini rowing team secured a bronze medal at the Jeux Maritimes.
The festival concluded with the spectacular Grande Parade de Départ, a ceremonial sail past, during which
the ship unfurled her sails, creating a captivating visual display.
During her port stay, the ship was open to visitors and welcomed thousands, offering insights into her role
and capabilities. The enthusiastic turnout reflected strong cultural engagement and deepening
maritime bonds between India and France. A joint yoga session was also conducted with the crew of
FS Étoile and ITS Corsaro, symbolizing a shared commitment to health, harmony, and overall well-being.
An official reception was hosted onboard by Shri Sanjeev Singla, Ambassador of India to France,
attended by international dignitaries and representatives from participating nations. In his address, he
emphasized the strong legacy and growing maritime cooperation between the two navies.
Following her departure, INS Sudarshini is now en route to Casablanca, continuing her mission of
strengthening maritime ties under Lokayan 26.***
VM/SKY
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