INS Sudarshini Completes Historic Trans-Atlantic Crossing, Arrives in Antigua
INS Sudarshini. Image courtesy: Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship (STS) INS Sudarshini docked at Antigua on May 27, completing a landmark trans-Atlantic passage as part of the ongoing Lokayan 26 expedition.
The arrival follows a 19-day voyage from Mindelo, Cape Verde–the longest leg of the expedition to date and the first Atlantic crossing by INS Sudarshini. The last such crossing by an Indian Navy sail training vessel was INS Tarangini’s in 2007.
The voyage also saw the ship surpass 10,000 nautical miles since departing Kochi on January 20, 2026.
The ship was received by Vijay Tewani, Honorary Consul General of India to Antigua and Barbuda, and Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, Chief of Defence Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.
Lokayan 26 is a flagship Indian Navy initiative aimed at promoting maritime goodwill, strengthening international cooperation, and showcasing India’s seafaring heritage. Since leaving Kochi, INS Sudarshini has traversed West Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa. The Antigua port call marks the start of the expedition’s Caribbean and Americas phase.
The crew will conduct professional exchanges and community outreach activities before proceeding to Norfolk, Virginia, where the ship is scheduled to participate in SAIL 250—an international gathering of tall ships marking a major American naval anniversary.
“The voyage reflects the Indian Navy’s continued commitment to maritime cooperation and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—’The World is One Family,'” the Ministry of Defence said.
Since sailing out of Kochi earlier this year, INS Sudarshini has undertaken a wide-ranging journey spanning West Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe and Africa.
The successful Atlantic crossing now marks the beginning of the expedition’s Caribbean and American phase.
The ship is also scheduled to participate in the forthcoming SAIL 250 celebrations in the United States, an international gathering of tall ships and naval training vessels.
During its stay in Antigua, the crew will take part in professional exchanges, cultural engagement and community outreach activities before proceeding to Norfolk in the United States.
