INS Sudarshini Sails from Livorno in Italy under Lokayan 2026

The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini set sail from Livorno in Italy on 12 September 2026. The departure came at the end of a port call. The ship is on the Lokayan 2026 expedition. The Ministry of Defence announced the departure on 13 September 2026.

What happened during the port call

The crew took part in professional interactions and cross-training visits. These were meant to strengthen the maritime partnership between India and Italy. Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, the Chief of the Italian Navy, visited the ship. He met the crew and the trainees on board. He was briefed on the voyage and on the training work being done.

The meetings ashore

The Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini called on Rear Admiral Alberto Tarabotto. Rear Admiral Tarabotto is the Commandant of the Italian Naval Academy. The two shared experiences from the ongoing expedition. The ship's officers also met Mr Luca Salvetti, the Mayor of Livorno, and Mr Edoardo Lombardi, the Vice Prefect of Livorno.

Training exchanges

Indian sea trainees visited the Italian ship ITS Virginio Fasan. They also visited the Italian Naval Academy. Italian naval personnel came aboard INS Sudarshini in return. A deck reception was held on the ship. Senior Italian naval officers, local authorities, diplomatic representatives and other guests attended it.

The MAHASAGAR vision

As she continues her voyage, INS Sudarshini carries forward the vision of MAHASAGAR. The full form is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Candidates should learn that expansion, because acronyms of this kind are asked directly in defence and general awareness papers.