INS Sudarshini Concludes Azores Visit, Sails for Lisbon for Joint...
As part of Lokayan 2026, Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini concluded her port call at Ponta Delgada, Azores. Following professional...
By GT24x7 Correspondents··GlobalToday24x7
The Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, concluded her port call at Ponta Delgada in Azores, Portugal, on August 16, 2026, marking a significant milestone in her ongoing overseas deployment under Lokayan 2026. The visit served to reinforce the deep-rooted maritime heritage and diplomatic ties between India and Portugal, providing a vibrant platform for high-level professional, operational, and cultural engagements between the two navies.
During the port call, crew members of INS Sudarshini participated in structured professional interactions with the Portuguese Navy aimed at fostering tactical camaraderie, operational best practices, and seamanship knowledge. A formal deck reception was initially hosted onboard the Portuguese Navy’s sail training vessel, NRP Sagres. In a spirit of reciprocal hospitality, INS Sudarshini subsequently hosted an evening deck reception that brought together local military dignitaries, international diplomats, and enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora residing in the Azores region.
Commemorating Independence Day in International Waters
Highlighting the patriotic significance of the deployment, INS Sudarshini celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day at Ponta Delgada on August 15, 2026. The vessel was 'dressed overall' in traditional naval ceremonial fashion, and a formal Colours ceremony was conducted on board, showcasing the pride and spirit of the Indian Armed Forces on international shores. The event served as an important cultural touchstone for naval personnel stationed far from home, creating an opportunity to share national pride with international diplomatic representatives and local community members who gathered to observe the historic occasion.
Following the completion of the port events, INS Sudarshini departed Ponta Delgada and set sail for Lisbon. On August 21, 2026, INS Sudarshini and NRP Sagres are scheduled to execute a joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise will feature coordinated sail maneuvers, complex communication drills, and seamanship formations designed to enhance tactical interoperability, mutual understanding, and bilateral maritime security cooperation between the Indian and Portuguese navies. Through these joint maneuvers, both navies demonstrate a shared dedication to preserving global maritime order and fostering international cooperation across international waters.