Navy

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, INS Sudarshini, concluded a landmark three-day port call at Las Palmas, Canary Islands, on 26 Apr 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in its Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. The visit to the Spanish archipelago provided an important avenue for maritime diplomacy and professional engagement.

The Commanding Officer, INS Sudarshini, called on RAdm Santiago de Colsa Trueba, Chief of Canary Islands Naval Command. The exchange highlighted the strengthening bilateral ties and the deepening partnership between the two navies.

During the port call, the ship was open to visitors, drawing large numbers from the local community and the Indian diaspora. Showcasing India’s proud seafaring legacy, the visitors were provided a guided tour of the ship, sharing invaluable experiences of ocean sailing and bonds of friendship across the ocean.

INS Sudarshini now proceeds to her next destination – Mindelo, Cape Verde, which will be the final African stopover prior embarking on the trans-Atlantic passage. Having completed seven port calls and maritime engagements with the Navies of West Asia, Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa, the voyage epitomises Indian Navy’s commitment to building Bridges of Friendship and mutual trust across the nations.

Maiden visit of an Indian Naval Ship to the Canary Islands archipelago

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Las Palmas on 23 Apr 2026, as part of her ongoing transoceanic deployment under Lokayan 26. The port call to the Canary Islands archipelago is significant as it marks the maiden visit of an Indian naval ship to the archipelago. The stopover serves as a strategic pause before the ship embarks on her ambitious trans-Atlantic passage.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini is scheduled to hold professional interactions with Spanish Naval authorities. Strengthening people-to-people ties, the ship will also be open to visitors for the local Spanish community and the Indian diaspora. INS Sudarshini arrives at Las Palmas Spain, marking Indian Navy’s diplomatic port call, strengthening maritime cooperation and showcasing India’s naval training capabilities globally.

The visit underscores growing maritime cooperation and engagement between the Indian Navy and the Spanish Navy.

Having sailed from Kochi in Jan 2026, INS Sudarshini has undertaken port calls in Oman, Egypt, Malta, France, and Morocco, spreading the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Looking ahead, the ship will undertake a long trans-Atlantic passage with planned participation in Sail 250 commemorative events across various ports in the United States as part of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.

New Delhi: INS Nireekshak, the Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of Indian Navy, arrived at the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 21 Apr 2026 to participate in the 4th edition of IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, a bilateral diving exercise scheduled from 21-27 Apr 2026.

The joint exercise will see diving teams from both the Navies undertake a series of specialised diving operations and training aimed at enhancing interoperability, cohesion, and exchange of Best Practices. The week-long engagement reinforces the continued commitment towards strengthening Indo-Sri Lankan maritime ties and shared maritime interests.

On arrival, the ship was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lanka Navy in the presence of the Naval band. The Commanding Officer of INS Nireekshak, Cdr Sailesh Tyagi, called on RAdm SJ Kumara, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Area, and held discussions on matters of mutual interest. In addition to professional engagements, the visit will also feature social interactions, sports fixtures, and joint yoga sessions – fostering deeper bonds of friendship, goodwill, and camaraderie between the two navies.

As part of India’s humanitarian outreach, the ship will be presenting two BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) cubes to the Sri Lankan authorities under the Government of India’s ‘Aarogya Maitri’ initiative. These state-of-the-art portable medical units capable of handling up to 200 emergency cases are designed to provide rapid response and are equipped with essential medicines and surgical tools for basic procedures. Further strengthening maritime security cooperation, Indian Navy will also hand over 50,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunition to the Sri Lankan Navy.

The IN-SLN Diving Exercise (DIVEX) is a key bilateral engagement that stands as a testament to the deep-rooted maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Sustained maritime collaboration and engagements with partner nations reaffirm the shared commitment to fostering stability, cooperation, and collective growth in the Indian Ocean Region, in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, INS Sudarshini, concluded a productive and engaging port call at Casablanca, Morocco, on 18 Apr 2026.  The visit marked an important step in strengthening the Indo-Morocco maritime partnership, as part of the ongoing Lokayan 26 deployment.

During the port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini held professional interactions with senior Moroccan naval leaders, focusing on training exchanges and maritime cooperation. The essence of ‘Lokayan’ was reflected through active training engagements, with Indian Navy trainees interacting with cadets of the Royal Moroccan Naval School during cross deck visits and friendly sports fixtures. Diplomatic outreach was enhanced through an onboard reception hosted by INS Sudarshini and a reciprocal luncheon hosted by the Royal Moroccan Navy, strengthening professional and cultural ties.

The current visit reaffirms deepening maritime ties between the two countries, driven by shared maritime interests and strategic convergence. INS Sudarshini now proceeds to Las Palmas, Spain, furthering the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and goodwill across the seas.

New Delhi: Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR arrived at Phuket, Thailand, on 14 Apr 2026 on completion of a six-day transit from Malé, Maldives, marking the second port call of its ongoing mission.

The IOS SAGAR-INS Sunayna, with a multinational crew from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), is on deployment to the Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The current edition of IOS SAGAR, which commenced in Mar 2026, also reflects India’s leadership role as Chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).

During the port call at Phuket, IOS SAGAR is scheduled to engage in professional interactions with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding. A range of social, cultural and sporting engagements are also planned to foster camaraderie and people-to-people connect.

The ship’s stay coincides with the Songkran festival, the traditional Thai New Year, providing an opportunity for strengthening cultural exchanges amongst the participating navies.

During the transit from Malé, the international crew undertook structured training activities at sea, including seamanship evolutions and operational drills, aimed at enhancing collective readiness, interoperability and maritime cooperation. The deployment underscores the Indian Navy’s continued commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships and capacity building, thereby contributing to regional security and stability.

IOS SAGAR was flagged off from Mumbai on 02 April 2026 by Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. As part of this mission, the Indian Navy crew along with 38 personnel from 16 Friendly Foreign Countries onboard IOS SAGAR will undertake port calls at Male, Phuket, Jakarta, Singapore, Yangon, Chittagong and Colombo.

The initiative embodies the vision of ‘One Ocean, One Mission’, fostering deeper engagement and cooperation among maritime partners.

New Delhi: The Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (INS Sunayna) departed from the port of Malé on 08 Apr 2026, further reinforcing the maritime partnership between India and Maldives. The visit was marked by a series of professional engagements and cultural exchanges between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

On departure, the ship participated in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Ghazee, underscoring enhanced operational coordination and interoperability between the two maritime forces.

During the visit, Commander Siddharth Chaudhary, Commanding Officer of IOS SAGAR, called on Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, and Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant, Coast Guard MNDF. Discussions were focused on advancing joint training initiatives, reaffirming commitment to sustained strategic engagement.

The multinational crew of IOS SAGAR, comprising personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries, had an insightful and enriching interaction with MNDF leadership, contributing to a broader spirit of international maritime cooperation.

In addition to professional exchanges, the visit featured cultural and social interactions, including sports fixtures with MNDF personnel – fostering camaraderie and mutual understanding.

The visit of IOS SAGAR highlights the strong maritime bonds between the two nations, reinforcing framework for cooperation and a shared commitment to regional stability and security.

New Delhi: INS Sudarshini Leaves Sète Escale 2026 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.

New Delhi: Adm. Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, presented Gallantry and Distinguished Service awards to Indian Naval personnel on behalf of the Hon’ble President of India at the Naval Investiture Ceremony held in Mumbai on 01 Apr 2026.

The Naval Investiture Ceremony 2026 celebrated the dedication, discipline, and achievements of India’s naval officers and sailors. Distinguished personnel were honored with awards and medals recognizing exceptional service, leadership, and acts of bravery.

Awards were conferred to honour and recognise bravery, leadership, professional achievement and distinguished service of Naval personnel and units.

Individual awards conferred during the ceremony included two Yudh Seva Medal, twelve Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), eight Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), and eighteen Vishisht Seva Medal.

CNS also presented the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to the spouse of Late Deepak Kumar, PO ME, Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal for promoting Flight Safety, and Lt VK Jain Memorial Medal for outstanding applied research.

Unit Citations were awarded to operational afloat units and shore establishments for their outstanding service over the past year whilst the CNS Rolling Trophy for Best Green Practices was awarded in the industrial and non-industrial categories.

VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, officers and sailors of the Indian Navy, and spouses and families of the awardees were in attendance.

Dive into Exercise Lamitiye 2026, where India and Seychelles unite for a groundbreaking military exercise. Stay informed with the latest news and details!

New Delhi: Indian Naval Ship Trikand, a stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, has departed from Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 20 Mar 2026 on completion of an enriching port call.

Captain Sachin Kulkarni, Commanding Officer of the ship, called on senior Government functionaries and the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles. The ship also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles.

INS Trikand participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise Lamitiye 2026, along with members from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). This marks the maiden participation of the Indian Navy in Exercise Lamitiye.

During the harbour phase, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training was conducted onboard, which also included joint boarding drills. This was followed by the sea phase of the exercise, during which the ship exercised with SCGS Le Vigilant and undertook joint boarding operations at sea by a team comprising of Indian Navy Marine Commandos and Special Forces of SDF.  This was followed by landing of Army troops of the Indian Army and the Seychelles Defence Forces on Praslin Island. Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces, SDF, Brig Jean Attala, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces SDF, along with other senior officers embarked INS Trikand for the sea phase to witness conduct of the exercise.

The exercise provided an opportunity to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Seychelles. Lamitiye, meaning ‘friendship’ in Creole language, reflects the historic ties between the two nations.

The port call reflects India’s vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Region, and reinforces the Indian Navy’s commitment to remain the Preferred Security Partner and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region.

New 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.