The port call of the Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini at Lisbon as part of the Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition will further strengthen the India-Portugal naval partnership.The defence ministry, in a statement said, the port call will see the ship’s crew and trainees participate in professional exchanges, cross-deck visits and cultural engagements with Portuguese naval leadership, local authorities and the Indian diaspora. The three-masted barque made a grand entry through the Tagus River, showcasing traditional sailing and seamanship skills.Its arrival at Lisbon on Aug 22 marked the ship’s 15th port visit in seven months of voyage, reaffirming India’s enduring maritime connection across the globe. As part of Lokayan 26, INS Sudarshini is carrying a message of friendship, cooperation and camaraderie, strengthening bonds with partner nations.Earlier last week, INS Sudarshini concluded her port call at Ponta Delgada, Azores. The ministry earlier said the port call had witnessed professional and cultural engagements with the Portuguese Navy, strengthening maritime cooperation and camaraderie between the two navies.A formal deck reception was also hosted on board Portuguese Navy’s sail training vessel NRP Sagres. This was followed by a reciprocal evening deck reception on board INS Sudarshini for local military leadership, diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora. Notably, the ship celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day at Ponta Delgada.Reflecting India’s rich maritime heritage and the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the ship will sail over 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 foreign ports across 13 countries.
