INS Sudarshini Docks at Casablanca, Strengthening Maritime Ties Under Lokayan 26

During its three-day port visit, INS Sudarshini is scheduled to host a series of engagements aimed at strengthening people-to-people and naval-to-naval connections.

Continuing its transoceanic voyage under the flagship outreach initiative Lokayan 26, the Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini made a port call at Casablanca, Morocco, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding maritime diplomacy and global engagement efforts.

The visit aligns with India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Region), underscoring the country’s commitment to fostering international naval cooperation, strengthening strategic partnerships, and promoting goodwill across oceans.

Enhancing Bilateral Naval Cooperation

Upon arrival, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini held high-level interactions with Commodore Hassan Akouli, Commander of the Central Maritime Sector of the Moroccan Navy, and Commodore Omar Nasri, Director of the Royal Naval School.

The discussions focused on:

• Expanding maritime collaboration and training exchanges

• Strengthening naval interoperability and capacity building

• Exploring future avenues for joint engagements and professional cooperation

These interactions reflect the growing depth of defence and maritime ties between India and Morocco, anchored in mutual trust and shared strategic interests.

A Platform for Professional and Cultural Exchange

During its three-day port visit, INS Sudarshini is scheduled to host a series of engagements aimed at strengthening people-to-people and naval-to-naval connections. Activities include:

• Interaction with personnel of the Royal Moroccan Navy

• Hosting of senior officials and distinguished guests onboard

• Professional exchanges and cultural interactions

The visit offers valuable experiential learning for naval trainees onboard, while showcasing India’s maritime heritage, sailing capabilities, and commitment to global engagement.

Building on Growing Maritime Engagement

The port call builds upon a series of recent naval exchanges between the two nations. Over the past year, Indian Navy ships including INS Tabar, INS Tarkash, INS Sumedha, and INS Tushil have visited Casablanca, significantly enhancing operational familiarity and mutual confidence.

Further strengthening ties, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, visited India’s Southern Naval Command in November 2025, paving the way for deeper institutional cooperation.

Promoting Global Maritime Outreach

INS Sudarshini’s deployment under Lokayan 26 is not only a training mission but also a strategic maritime outreach initiative, traversing historic sea routes and key international corridors.

The voyage reflects India’s broader objectives of:

• Promoting maritime security and cooperation

• Enhancing diplomatic outreach through naval presence

• Showcasing India’s seafaring heritage and soft power

Reinforcing the Spirit of Global Unity

As the ship continues its journey, it carries forward the timeless Indian ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), reinforcing India’s role as a responsible maritime partner committed to peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

With each port call, INS Sudarshini is not just charting a course across oceans—it is strengthening bridges of friendship, trust, and collaboration between nations.