Lokayan 2026: Indian Navy ship Sudarshini departs from Salalah, Oman

Indian Navy’s frontline warship Sudarshini, a modern frigate capable of anti‑submarine operations and remote maritime surveillance, departed from Salalah, Oman’s major maritime hub without any delay. This departure was made as part of Lokayan 2026, where naval forces of India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and some other countries will conduct joint exercises on maritime security, humanitarian assistance, and disaster management. The main purpose of Sudarshini’s journey is to strengthen regional maritime security, counter risks such as piracy and illegal fishing, and promote Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

Lokayan 2026 is a multilateral initiative that India launched in 2022, and it has now entered its fifth phase. The exercise involves the combined use of naval aircraft, submarines, and surface warships, providing an opportunity to test tactical coordination in diverse scenarios. India’s maritime cooperation with Oman has deepened continuously over the past decades; both countries have strengthened collaboration in port development, maritime training, and supply chain under several bilateral agreements. Sudarshini’s departure from Salalah symbolizes this cooperation, ensuring the security of maritime trade routes and the smooth flow of energy exports.