INS Sudarshini Reaches Lisbon as Lokayan 26 Deepens India-Portugal Maritime Ties

India’s maritime outreach gained further momentum with the arrival of Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini in Lisbon, Portugal, during its ongoing Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. The port call provides another opportunity for India to strengthen maritime relations with Portugal while showcasing the Indian Navy’s sailing traditions, professional expertise and commitment to international cooperation.

INS Sudarshini, a three-masted barque, entered Lisbon through the Tagus River, highlighting traditional sailing skills and seamanship. The visit is particularly significant as Lisbon represents the ship’s 15th port call during seven months of its global deployment, reflecting the extensive international engagement undertaken as part of Lokayan 26.

The Lisbon programme includes professional interactions between the ship’s crew and trainees and members of the Portuguese Navy, along with cross-deck visits and cultural engagements. These activities are aimed at encouraging greater professional understanding between the two maritime forces and strengthening the longstanding ties between India and Portugal.

Beyond naval interaction, the visit reinforces the role of INS Sudarshini as an instrument of maritime diplomacy. Its international voyage allows India to engage with partner countries through naval cooperation, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections, while presenting the country’s rich maritime heritage to audiences overseas.

Lokayan 26 is also focused on providing practical training to Indian naval and Coast Guard personnel. The extended voyage gives trainees exposure to ocean navigation, sailing operations and traditional seamanship while allowing them to interact with foreign naval personnel and maritime communities during international port calls.

The Lisbon visit follows INS Sudarshini’s engagement at Ponta Delgada in the Azores, where the ship participated in professional and cultural activities with Portuguese naval representatives. The earlier interaction further contributed to naval camaraderie and maritime cooperation between India and Portugal.

Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, INS Sudarshini serves as a dedicated platform for sail training while also supporting India’s maritime outreach. Its deployment combines the development of practical sailing skills with diplomatic engagement, giving trainees valuable experience during an extended overseas voyage.

The ship’s continuing journey under Lokayan 26 demonstrates the Indian Navy’s broader approach to combining training, maritime diplomacy and international cooperation. With each port call, INS Sudarshini is strengthening professional relationships while carrying India’s message of friendship and cooperation across the maritime domain.

The arrival in Lisbon marks another significant stage in the expedition and adds momentum to India-Portugal maritime engagement. As INS Sudarshini continues its global voyage, the mission remains an important example of how naval training and maritime diplomacy can work together to deepen international partnerships.