INS Sudarshini reaches Egypt’s Safaga Port during Lokayan-26 deployment
New Delhi, February 23. The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini reached Safaga port in Egypt on February 21 as part of its ongoing Lokayan-26 overseas deployment, marking a key milestone in its voyage.
The vessel completed a 1,832-nautical-mile journey from Salalah to Safaga in 16 days, a passage that underscored the crew’s resilience, endurance and seamanship. The transit through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea formed a crucial operational leg of the deployment, with the ship navigating dense maritime traffic and challenging weather conditions, demonstrating high standards of professionalism and operational competence.
On arrival at Safaga, INS Sudarshini was accorded a warm reception by officials of the Egyptian Navy and representatives of the Indian Embassy. The ship’s Commanding Officer met Rear Admiral Ramy Ahmed Ismail Mohamed, Base Commander of the Red Sea and Safaga Naval Base, in a courtesy call that highlighted the expanding maritime partnership between the two navies.
During its port stay, the Indian Navy will hold professional exchanges with Egyptian naval personnel, share expertise in sail training practices and undertake community outreach initiatives aimed at fostering goodwill.
The visit reinforces the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime diplomacy under its ‘Bridges of Friendship’ initiative and reflects the deepening naval cooperation and enduring ties between India and Egypt.