Southern Naval Command Hosts Annual Afloat Awards 2026 in Kochi: INS Sharda Named Best Ship

KOCHI, India — July 11, 2026 — Southern Naval Command hosted the Annual Afloat Awards Function 2026 in Kochi to recognize and celebrate the exceptional operational excellence and combat efficiency of its fleet. The high-profile naval event honors the relentless dedication, strategic readiness, and performance of ships operating under the command over the past year.

During the ceremony, VAdm Sameer Saxena, FOCINC SNC, presented prestigious trophies to the winning ships for demonstrating top-tier excellence across various critical operational domains. The coveted “Best Ship” title was awarded to INS Sharda for its outstanding overall performance, while INS Shardul was honored as the “Most Spirited Ship” for demonstrating exceptional morale and operational grit.