Lisbon
India-Portugal maritime cooperation is set to receive a further boost with Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arriving in Lisbon as part of its ongoing Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
The three-masted barque reached Lisbon on August 22 after sailing across the Atlantic. Its arrival through the Tagus River showcased India’s traditional sailing and seamanship capabilities and marked another important stop in the ship’s extended international voyage.
During the port call, INS Sudarshini’s crew and naval trainees are scheduled to take part in professional exchanges, cross-deck visits and cultural engagements with Portuguese naval authorities, local officials and members of the Indian diaspora. These activities are aimed at promoting greater understanding and strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The Lisbon visit is the ship’s 15th port call during its seven-month voyage under Lokayan 26. The expedition is designed to strengthen India’s maritime connections with partner countries while providing naval and Coast Guard trainees valuable experience in long-distance sailing and international engagements.
The visit also highlights the importance India attaches to maritime diplomacy and naval cooperation with European partners. Professional interactions between the two navies are expected to contribute to greater interoperability, knowledge sharing and goodwill.
INS Sudarshini’s deployment is part of India’s broader efforts to showcase its maritime heritage and strengthen relations through naval outreach. The expedition continues to carry a message of friendship, cooperation and camaraderie as the ship visits ports across different regions.
The Lisbon port call therefore represents more than a routine naval visit, providing another opportunity for India and Portugal to deepen their longstanding maritime relationship and expand cooperation through professional and cultural exchanges.
