Why in news?
The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Tarangini arrived in Visakhapatnam as part of the International Fleet Review and the multilateral exercise MILAN 2026. The vessel’s presence highlights India’s emphasis on traditional seamanship and naval diplomacy.
Background
Tarangini is a three‑masted barque built at Goa Shipyard and commissioned in 1997. Designed by British naval architect Colin Mudie, the steel‑hulled vessel is 54 metres long and carries a crew of six officers, 30 sailors and up to 30 cadets. In 2003–04 it became the first Indian naval ship to circumnavigate the globe, visiting 18 countries and winning awards for promoting international goodwill. The ship has since participated in tall‑ship races, goodwill visits and training deployments across the world.
Key roles and features
- Training cadets: Tarangini provides hands‑on experience in traditional sailing skills, navigation and teamwork for naval cadets. Learning to handle sails and rigging fosters discipline, courage and camaraderie.
- Diplomatic outreach: By visiting foreign ports and participating in international regattas, the ship serves as a floating ambassador of India, strengthening ties with other navies and showcasing Indian culture.
- Technical specifications: The barque has 1,100 m² of sail area and can reach speeds of about 15 knots under sail. Its sparred length and tall masts make it a distinctive presence at sea.
- Historic voyages: Apart from circumnavigating the globe, Tarangini was the only tall ship at the Sri Lankan Navy’s diamond jubilee celebrations in 2010 and has participated in numerous international tall‑ship races.
By combining seamanship training with diplomacy, INS Tarangini builds goodwill, fosters cross‑cultural understanding and nurtures the next generation of naval officers.
Source: Deccan Chronicle
