The flotilla sailed in the Mediterranean Sea, crossed the Suez Canal and entered the Arabian Sea near the Gulf of Aden on 1 January 2014. It was received nearly away from Indian shores by a large flotilla of the Western fleet, which was composed of the aircraft carrier , two s, three s, the frigate , and a couple of offshore patrol vessels including . The event was significant as the Indian Navy was operating two aircraft carriers simultaneously for the first time in 20 years. After conducting basic sea exercises with the fleet, "Vikramaditya" reached Karwar on 7 January 2014.