New York: Indian Navy's sail training ship -- INS Sudarshini -- visit to the US represents the growing defence and people-to-people ties between the two countries, Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan has said.
Proudly carrying the Indian tricolour, INS Sudarshini sailed into New York Port on July 4 to represent India at the United States International Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 celebrations being held to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
INS Sudarshini represents the "finest tradition of Indian maritime heritage, representing the might and the skills of the Indian Navy. It also represents the growing defence and people-to-people relationship between India and the United States, " Pradhan told PTI on Tuesday.
The visit by INS Sudarshini is part of the ship's 10-month transoceanic expedition, 'Lokayan 2026', which "reflects the Indian Navy's commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, building international goodwill and deepening engagement with partner navies," an official Indian statement has said.
Commanding Officer N Ravikanth briefed the Consul General on Lokayan 2026, a 10-month, 22,000-nautical-mile global sailing expedition that will visit 18 ports in 13 countries to strengthen global maritime partnerships.
Pradhan congratulated Ravikanth and the entire crew for "successfully showcasing India's rich maritime heritage, the professionalism and excellence of the Indian Navy, and the enduring spirit of friendship between India and the United States."
INS Sudarshini is one of the two tall ships of the Indian Navy.
Ravikanth said the ship commenced its 10-month-long journey from India in January this year, reaching the US after sailing 13,000 nautical miles in about five and a half months.
"It's a 10-month deployment under the Lokayan mission, which happens once in four years. Fortunately, it coincided with the 250th year celebration of the United States," Ravikanth said as he highlighted that the port call offers an opportunity for deeper cultural and diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.
After successfully participating in the SAIL 250 events in Norfolk and Baltimore, INS Sudarshini berthed at Brooklyn for the Sail4th 250 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence.
The ship will begin its long journey back home on Wednesday morning and is expected to arrive at the port of Kochi in November.
The International Naval Review and Sail 4th 250 is a historic, once-in-a-lifetime gathering of the largest fleet of US and international ships and aircraft in honour of America's 250th birthday.
