Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jul 26: Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini has departed from Boston after participating in the SAIL 250 celebrations in the United States and is now sailing towards Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Portugal, as part of its ongoing Lokayan 26 overseas deployment.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the vessel represented India at the SAIL 250 celebrations and the International Naval Review 250, highlighting the country's maritime traditions while strengthening naval cooperation through professional exchanges and cultural engagements.

During its visit to the United States, INS Sudarshini took part in events held at Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Boston, where it welcomed dignitaries, members of the Indian diaspora and naval delegations from several countries aboard the ship.

The ministry said the deployment reflects India's continued commitment to promoting maritime cooperation, friendship and goodwill with partner nations.

"INS Sudarshini has now set course for Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal). The ship continues to serve as a symbol of India's maritime capability, professionalism and goodwill across the world," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the Consulate General of India in Boston highlighted the ship's participation in SAIL Boston 250, describing it as a showcase of India's rich maritime legacy and the growing naval partnership between India and the United States.

A media interaction was organised during the Captain's Reception aboard the vessel, where Consul General Raghuram S. underlined the significance of INS Sudarshini's presence at the international event marking the 250th anniversary of US Independence.

The Consul General noted that INS Sudarshini was the only naval tall ship from Asia and the wider Indian Ocean Region to participate in the celebrations. He also pointed out that the vessel had undertaken a five-and-a-half-month voyage to reach the US East Coast for the commemorative event.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Washington highlighted another aspect of the growing defence partnership between the two countries.

In a post on X, the embassy said its Defence Wing held discussions with a delegation from the US Army War College, Carlisle, focusing on India's military strategic framework and areas of convergence with the strategic outlook of the United States military.

The embassy described the interaction as a productive exchange that underscored the expanding India-US defence cooperation framework and the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthening their strategic partnership.