INS Sudarshini docks in Oman, strengthens India’s maritime diplomacy mission

The visit marked a significant milestone in the ship’s ambitious 10-month trans-oceanic voyage, Lokayan 26, aimed at showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage and promoting the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “The World is One Family” — across the globe.

During the port call, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini met Captain Mohammad Al Ghailani, Southern Naval Area Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), and Captain Mohammad Al Mahari, Commanding Officer of RNO Vessel Al Moazer.

The interactions highlighted the historic seafaring ties between India and Oman and reinforced the enduring “Bridges of Friendship” between the two navies.

As part of the professional engagement, officers from the Royal Navy of Oman were hosted onboard for a guided tour of the ship.

In a vibrant display of people-to-people connection, INS Sudarshini was opened to visitors during her stay. More than 600 visitors, including schoolchildren, were given a firsthand experience of the majestic three-masted barque and introduced to the intricacies of traditional ocean sailing.

The ship has now embarked on the next leg of Lokayan 26, continuing her mission to carry India’s timeless seafaring legacy across the oceans. With sails set and spirits high, INS Sudarshini remains a symbol of maritime excellence, friendship, and goodwill.

India-Oman Relations

The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India and an important interlocutor at forums such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League, and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). India and Oman share deep-rooted ties based on geography, history, and culture. People-to-people exchanges between the two countries date back nearly 5,000 years. Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1955 and elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2008, according to the Indian Embassy in Oman.

Oman is India’s closest defence partner in the Gulf region, with defence cooperation forming a key pillar of the bilateral strategic partnership. Notably, Oman is the first Gulf nation with which all three wings of India’s armed forces conduct joint exercises.

In recent years, both countries have worked closely to strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region. Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff of India, led a high-level delegation to Oman from July 30 to August 3, 2023, holding key bilateral meetings. The first-ever India-Oman Defence Industrial Seminar was held in Muscat on September 24, 2023.

Senior Omani defence officials, including Mohammed bin Nasir, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, and Air Vice Marshal Khamis Hammad Al-Ghafri, Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman, visited India in 2023 and 2025 respectively for the Aero India International Exhibition, read the Indian Embassy in Oman's website.

The 13th edition of the Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) was held in New Delhi on November 24, 2025. Additionally, the 6th High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG) took place in Muscat from April 29–30, 2025. The ICG delegation was led by Director General S. Paramesh, while the ROPCG delegation was headed by Colonel Abdul Aziz Al Jabari. Regular staff-level talks continue between the respective services.