INS Sudarshini departs Livorno, deepens India-Italy maritime ties on Lokayan 2026
Synopsis
INS Sudarshini's Livorno stop was more than a routine port call — Italy's Navy chief came aboard, Indian cadets trained at the Italian Naval Academy, and Ambassador Vani Rao reinforced strategic maritime ties. The visit is a tangible expression of India's MAHASAGAR vision in action, projecting soft naval power deep into the Euro-Mediterranean theatre.
Key Takeaways
INS Sudarshini departed Livorno, Italy on 12 September 2025 after completing a successful port call as part of the Lokayan 2026 expedition.
Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto , Chief of the Italian Navy, visited the ship and interacted with the crew and trainees.
Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao hosted Italian dignitaries aboard and underlined India-Italy strategic maritime convergences.
Indian trainees visited ITS Virginio Fasan and the Italian Naval Academy ; Italian naval personnel reciprocally toured INS Sudarshini.
Commanding Officer Commander Ravikanth Nandoori called on Italian Naval Academy Commandant Rear Admiral Alberto Tarabotto .
The voyage carries forward India's MAHASAGAR vision of security and growth cooperation across regions.
The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini set sail from Livorno, Italy, on 12 September 2025 after completing a high-profile port call, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Sunday. The departure marks another milestone in the ongoing Lokayan 2026 expedition, which carries forward India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision of regional maritime cooperation.
Key Engagements at Livorno
During the port call, Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of the Italian Navy, visited INS Sudarshini and interacted with the ship's crew and trainees. He was briefed on the vessel's ongoing voyage and training activities, underscoring the depth of naval ties between the two countries.
Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao also came aboard at Livorno, meeting officers, sailors, and cadets. She welcomed Italian dignitaries at an onboard reception and, according to an Indian Embassy post on X, 'highlighted the longstanding India–Italy maritime linkages, strategic convergences and efforts to strengthen maritime security cooperation.' Ambassador Rao wished the crew 'fair winds, following seas and success for the Lokayan26 voyage.'
Cross-Training and Diplomatic Outreach
As part of structured training exchanges, Indian sea trainees visited ITS Virginio Fasan and the Italian Naval Academy, while Italian naval personnel came aboard INS Sudarshini — a reciprocal arrangement the Ministry described as 'fostering professional cooperation and mutual understanding.' Commanding Officer Commander Ravikanth Nandoori called on Rear Admiral Alberto Tarabotto, Commandant of the Italian Naval Academy, sharing experiences from the expedition.
Interactions were also held with Luca Salvetti, Mayor of Livorno, and Edoardo Lombardi, Vice Prefect of Livorno, reflecting the breadth of India's diplomatic engagement beyond purely naval circles. A deck reception hosted on board was attended by senior Italian naval officers, local authorities, and diplomatic representatives.
What Lokayan 2026 and MAHASAGAR Signal
INS Sudarshini's Lokayan 2026 voyage is part of India's broader effort to build maritime partnerships across regions. The MAHASAGAR framework, which underpins the expedition, envisions India as a net security provider and cooperative partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The Livorno stop reinforces the India-Italy relationship at a time when both countries are deepening defence and strategic ties under bilateral frameworks. Notably, Italian participation in cross-training visits signals growing Euro-Mediterranean interest in India's maritime outreach.
What Comes Next
INS Sudarshini is scheduled to continue her Lokayan 2026 voyage following the Livorno departure. The Ministry of Defence did not disclose the ship's next port of call, but the expedition is expected to include further professional engagements across Europe and other maritime regions before its conclusion.
Point of View
Giving European partners a non-threatening entry point into deeper maritime cooperation with New Delhi. What is worth tracking is whether these engagements translate into concrete outcomes — joint exercises, technology transfers, or coordinated patrols — or remain at the level of goodwill visits. Italy's inclusion at the highest naval level suggests Rome sees value in the relationship, but India's strategic bandwidth to follow through across so many bilateral tracks simultaneously remains a legitimate question.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is INS Sudarshini and what is the Lokayan 2026 expedition?
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship, used for long-distance training voyages involving naval cadets and officers. Lokayan 2026 is the current expedition during which the ship is making a series of international port calls to strengthen maritime partnerships under India's MAHASAGAR vision.
Why did INS Sudarshini visit Livorno, Italy?
The Livorno port call was part of the Lokayan 2026 voyage, designed to foster professional naval interaction, cross-training, and diplomatic outreach. The visit included meetings with Italy's Navy chief, the Italian Naval Academy, and local civic authorities.
What is India's MAHASAGAR vision?
MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. It is India's maritime cooperation framework aimed at positioning the country as a net security provider and collaborative partner across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Who represented India during the Livorno stop?
Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao visited the ship and hosted Italian dignitaries at an onboard reception. Commanding Officer Commander Ravikanth Nandoori conducted diplomatic calls with senior Italian naval and civic officials.
What cross-training activities took place during the port call?
Indian sea trainees visited ITS Virginio Fasan and the Italian Naval Academy, while Italian naval personnel visited INS Sudarshini. The Ministry of Defence described the exchanges as fostering professional cooperation and mutual understanding between the two navies.
