The Indian Navy (IN) sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the historic port city of Sète in southern France on 26 March 2026 as part of the transoceanic expedition Lokayan-26. The arrival is a significant milestone in the vessel's extended voyage and underscores India's focus on maritime cooperation and cultural diplomacy. The port call will enable the navy to engage with local authorities, maritime organisations and visiting delegations during the scheduled festival activities.

INS Sudarshini will participate in the Escale à Sète maritime festival, which brings together traditional tall ships and seafaring communities from across Europe. The festival is expected to offer a platform for showcasing Indian maritime heritage and for fostering international camaraderie. The ship's presence aims to strengthen naval partnerships through cultural exchanges, shipboard visits and planned outreach activities with regional maritime stakeholders.

Prior to the arrival at Sète, the vessel completed port calls at Salalah in Oman, Safaga and Alexandria in Egypt, and Valletta in Malta, covering approximately 5,500 nautical miles. During these calls, the ship engaged with local maritime institutions, academies and civic groups to promote seamanship training and maritime awareness. The voyage under Lokayan-26 has combined practical training for cadets with public diplomacy, enabling students and crew to interact with diverse maritime communities and to exchange best practices in seamanship and navigation.

The training ship serves as a platform for developing skills in traditional sail handling alongside modern navigational techniques, and it continues to function as a floating ambassador for India. Crew and cadets have undertaken outreach programmes aimed at increasing awareness of maritime careers and environmental stewardship while visiting ports. The navy intends to use the remainder of the Lokayan-26 itinerary to consolidate training objectives, to deepen ties with partner navies and to promote India's maritime heritage through public engagement and port events.