INS Sudarshini visits Portugal on transatlantic voyage

The Indian Navy's training ship, INS Sudarshini, is visiting Portugal as part of its ambitious ‘Lokayan 2026’ transatlantic voyage. After docking in Ponta Delgada in the Azores, the three-masted vessel is scheduled to call at the Port of Lisbon.

Carrying 50 cadets, the ship is participating in a 22,000-nautical-mile journey that will visit 18 ports across 13 countries, including stops in Oman, Egypt, and Malta. The mission serves as a form of naval diplomacy, aiming to strengthen cultural and historical ties between India and Portugal while promoting the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is a Family).

Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, the INS Sudarshini entered service in January 2012. The voyage highlights India's growing maritime ambitions and its vision for regional security and growth, while connecting with Portugal's long-standing maritime heritage.