INS Sudarshini Welcomes Indian Diaspora in Salalah
The Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, recently docked in Salalah, Oman, hosting a significant gathering of the Indian expatriate community. The visit provided a unique moment of connection for over 500 Indian nationals, including students and faculty from the Indian School Salalah, who were given the opportunity to tour the historic vessel.
Strengthening Maritime and Cultural Bonds
The event served as a celebration of the deep-rooted historical maritime ties between India and Oman. Ambassador Prashant Pise addressed the attendees, which included officials from the Dhofar Governorate and representatives from the Royal Navy of Oman. To mark the occasion, traditional Indian performances were held, reinforcing the cultural link between the diaspora living in the Gulf and their home nation.
According to the Indian Embassy in Muscat, the visit was intended to instill a sense of pride regarding the Indian Navy's seafaring capabilities. During the visit, community members explored the three-masted barque to observe the advanced seamanship training being conducted on board.
The Epic Lokayan-26 Expedition
The docking in Salalah marks the final overseas port call for the ambitious Lokayan-26 expedition. This 10-month journey, which commenced in Kochi on January 20, 2026, has become a massive maritime undertaking spanning multiple continents.
Key achievements of the expedition include:
- Extensive Distance: The vessel has completed over 22,000 nautical miles.
- Global Reach: The ship has visited 18 ports across 13 different countries.
- Diverse Routes: The journey included transits through the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Mediterranean, and the Suez Canal, as well as an Atlantic crossing to Antigua.
- Training Milestones: Sailors on board have logged more than 10,000 nautical miles as part of their training.
A Visit Amidst Regional Uncertainty
The warm reception in Salalah occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. India has recently addressed the UN Security Council regarding the safety and security of the 10 million Indian citizens residing throughout the GCC region.
The regional landscape has been marked by several recent incidents, including:
- Tragic Loss in Riyadh: On October 10, Hyderabad-based IT professional Mohammed Yusuf Ali was killed when projectiles struck Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, an incident that left his two sons with severe injuries requiring surgery.
- Mass Departures: Reports indicate that over 300,000 Indians have departed the region since late February due to ongoing conflicts.
- Maritime Risks: Seafarers continue to face significant risks from drone attacks in certain maritime corridors.