Washington, DC [US], June 30 (ANI): Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra on Sunday (local time) visited Indian Naval Ship Sudarshini at the port of Baltimore, Maryland, which is participating in the SAIL 250 Maryland event, commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.
In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in the US said that the Commanding Officer briefed the Ambassador on the progress of the ship’s transoceanic expedition Lokayan 26 and reflected on the preparations for the SAIL 250 events.
It further stated that the Ambassador extended his best wishes to the crew towards continuing their voyage and for engaging in efforts to boost mutual cooperation between India and the US.
“Ambassador Vinay Kwatra visited Indian Naval Ship Sudarshini at the port of Baltimore, Maryland on 28 June 26, which is currently participating in the SAIL 250 Maryland event from 25-29 June 26 . The Commanding Officer briefed the Ambassador on the LOKAYAN 26 progress, conduct of the five months long transoceanic voyage covering around 13000 nm and the preparation towards forthcoming SAIL4th 250 New York and SAIL Boston events,” the post read.
“The Ambassador wished the crew the very best towards continuing their spectacular voyage and sustaining efforts to build bridges of mutual cooperation and trust amongst nations,” it added.
https://x.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/2071752864007901408
Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at the Port of Baltimore, Maryland, on Friday as part of its landmark transoceanic expedition Lokayan 26, highlighting India’s maritime heritage and strengthening naval ties between India and the United States.
According to an official release, INS Sudarshini reached Baltimore after sailing from Norfolk through the historic Chesapeake & Delaware (C&D) Canal, passing beneath major mid-Atlantic bridges.
The visit marks an important milestone in the expedition and underscores the enduring friendship and cooperation between the Indian Navy and the US Navy, the release said.
During its stay in Baltimore, the Indian Navy’s tall ship will undertake maritime engagement and community outreach activities ahead of the Sail250 Maryland celebrations, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Prior to arriving in Baltimore, INS Sudarshini participated in the Sail250 Virginia celebrations at Norfolk from June 19 to 23, where it joined tall ships from across the world and represented India in the Parade of Sail and the City Crew Parade.
The transoceanic voyage, which began from Kochi, has covered more than 13,000 nautical miles over five months before reaching Norfolk, showcasing India’s long-standing seafaring traditions and its maritime outreach.
The Indian Navy said the expedition reflects the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and aims to foster friendship, cooperation and mutual trust among nations across the oceans.INS Sudarshini is a sail training ship of the Indian Navy, used to train naval personnel in traditional sailing skills while promoting maritime diplomacy and international engagement.
Notably, Sail250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore, presented by Northrop Grumman and produced by Living Classrooms, is a global gathering of international tall ships, military ships, and aircraft celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States. Maryland and Baltimore are part of a five-city national event which also includes the ports of New Orleans, Norfolk, New York and Boston.
The event offers ship crews, cadets and midshipmen, aviators and, of course, visitors from all over the world to join in an unforgettable experience and a world-class celebration of all things maritime and aviation in commemoration of our Nation’s semiquincentennial. (ANI)
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