INS SUDARSHINI MARKS HISTORIC PORT CALL AT SAFAGA, EGYPT DURING LOKAYAN-26

Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Safaga, Egypt on 21 Feb 2026 as part of her ongoing Lokayan-26 deployment. Covering a distance of 1,832 nautical miles in 16 days, the passage from Salalah to Safaga marks a significant milestone, highlighting the resilience, confidence, and endurance of the ship's crew.

On arrival, the ship was warmly received by officials of the Egyptian Navy and representatives from the Indian Embassy. The Commanding Officer, INS Sudarshini, called on Rear Admiral Ramy Ahmed Ismail Mohamed, Base Commander Red Sea and Safaga Naval Base. The interactions emphasised growing maritime partnership between the two navies, reflecting a shared vision of enhanced naval cooperation and interoperability. During the port stay, the Indian Navy will engage in professional interactions with Egyptian naval personnel, share best practices in sail training, and undertake community outreach activities aimed at strengthening bilateral goodwill.

Transit through the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea constituted a key operational phase as the ship steered through challenging weather conditions and dense shipping traffic, demonstrating a high degree of professional competence and seamanship skills. The visit of INS Sudarshini to Safaga reaffirms the Indian Navy's continued commitment to maritime outreach under the "Bridges of Friendship" initiative and underscores the strong and enduring ties between India and Egypt.

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VM/SKY