1. Why in News

1.1 Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini embarked on a global expedition named ‘Lokayan 26’.

2. Expedition Overview

2.1 Name of expedition: Lokayan 26
2.2 Nature: Ten-month transoceanic global voyage
2.3 Objective: Showcasing India’s seafaring heritage and strengthening maritime cooperation
2.4 Distance to be covered: Nearly 22,000 nautical miles
2.5 Ports to be visited: 18 ports
2.6 Countries to be covered: 13 countries

3. Flag-off Details

3.1 Flag-off location: Naval Base Kochi
3.2 Flagged off by: Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena
3.3 Position: Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command

4. Ship Specifications

4.1 Type: Sail training ship
4.2 Build: Indigenously built
4.3 Shipbuilder: Goa Shipyard Limited
4.4 Length: 54 metres
4.5 Rigging: Three-masted barque

5. Training Role

5.1 Platform for training sea cadets and officer trainees
5.2 Focus on traditional seamanship and wind-based navigation

6. Strategic & Cultural Significance

6.1 INS Sudarshini described as India’s “Ambassador at Large”
6.2 Expedition guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future
6.3 Aligns with India’s maritime vision MAHASAGAR
6.4 MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions