INS Sudarshini joins Grand Parade of Sails in Boston

The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini has taken part in the Grand Parade of Sails in Boston, days after representing the country at a grand nautical event hosted in the New York Harbour to mark the 250th anniversary of the US’ independence.

The ship arrived in Boston on July 12, India’s defence ministry said on Monday.

After her successful participation in the Sail 4th 250 celebrations in New York, INS Sudarshini took part in the Grand Parade of Sails, marking the commencement of Sail Boston 2026, it said in a statement. Raghuram Sastry, Consul General of India in Boston, embarked on the vessel for the Grand Parade of Sails and the ship’s ceremonial entry into Boston.

Sailing proudly with the Indian tricolour, INS Sudarshini passed prominent landmarks including Castle Island and the Seaport District before berthing at Boston Fish Pier, the ministry said. “Joining an international fleet of over 60 tall ships from more than 20 nations, INS Sudarshini is representing India as a maritime ambassador of goodwill during her ongoing Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition,” it said.

Lokayan 2026 is the ship’s 10-month transoceanic expedition, which reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation, building international goodwill and deepening engagement with partner navies.

Reinforcing the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime diplomacy, international goodwill and cultural exchange, the ship will remain open to visitors from July 12 to 15, the statement said. Following successful port calls at Norfolk, Baltimore, and New York, INS Sudarshini’s participation in Sail Boston 2026 “further strengthens the growing India-US maritime partnership and showcases India’s rich seafaring heritage on the global stage,” it said.

Carrying the tricolour, INS Sudarshini had proudly sailed into the New York port and past the Statue of Liberty on July 4, joining vessels from the US and several other countries for the mega nautical event marking the 250th anniversary of the US’ independence. America commemorated 250 years of its independence on July 4 with grand celebrations held in Washington and parallel events across the country.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, the founding document of America.

The US, being a maritime nation, has also marked the milestone with the grand event — International Naval Review and Sail 4th 250.