Vessels anchored along the jetty in south India sounded sirens to welcome the Tarangani from 458 days at sea after it traversed over 33,000 nautical miles.

The trip was meant to train Indian sailors and bring them into closer contact with foreign colleagues.

"Columbus had discovered a new continent through his mission, whereas you have won the hearts of the people of the continents you have visited," President Abdul Kalam said in a welcoming ceremony, as quoted by the Press Trust of India news agency.

The Tarangini visited Australia, Britain, Canada, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Samoa, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka and the United States.

WAR.WIRE