Indian Navy Ship INS Sudarshini Departs Azores for Lisbon

The Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini concluded a port call at Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal, on August 17, 2026. The visit, part of the Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition, followed a 19-day trans-Atlantic passage from Boston, United States.

During the stay from August 13 to August 17, the crew conducted professional and cultural exchanges with the Portuguese Naval Forces. These activities included reciprocal deck receptions hosted on the INS Sudarshini and the Portuguese sail training vessel NRP Sagres. On August 15, the crew celebrated India's 80th Independence Day with a Colours ceremony.

Following its departure for Lisbon, the INS Sudarshini is scheduled to conduct a joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the NRP Sagres on August 21. The exercise will focus on communication drills and coordinated sail manoeuvres to improve maritime interoperability between the two nations.

The Lokayan 2026 voyage began in January and aims to visit 18 foreign ports across 13 countries. The mission provides intensive sail training for over 200 trainees from the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.