INS Sudarshini Reaches Lisbon as India and Portugal Deepen Maritime Cooperation

INS Sudarshini’s arrival in Lisbon marks another step in strengthening India-Portugal maritime cooperation during its 10-month Lokayan 26 expedition.

Lisbon [Portugal], August 23, 2026; India and Portugal are looking to further expand their naval partnership with the arrival of Indian Navy sailing vessel INS Sudarshini in Lisbon as part of its ongoing Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.

The Indian Navy’s three-masted sail training ship entered the Tagus River on Saturday, marking another significant stop in its 10-month voyage aimed at promoting maritime cooperation, professional exchange and friendship with partner countries.

During the Lisbon visit, INS Sudarshini’s officers and trainees are scheduled to engage with Portuguese naval personnel, government representatives and members of the Indian community. The programme will include professional interactions, cross-deck visits and cultural activities designed to strengthen people-to-people and institutional ties.

The Lisbon stop is the vessel’s 15th port call since beginning its seven-month-long journey. Its visit comes shortly after the ship’s engagement at Ponta Delgada in the Azores, where Indian and Portuguese naval personnel participated in a series of professional and cultural programmes.

At Ponta Delgada, naval exchanges included receptions aboard the Portuguese Navy’s sail training ship NRP Sagres and INS Sudarshini. The Indian vessel also marked India’s 80th Independence Day there on August 15, with the ship dressed overall and a ceremonial Colours ceremony conducted onboard.

INS Sudarshini is undertaking Lokayan 26 as a major sail training and maritime outreach mission. The expedition began in January and is planned to cover more than 22,000 nautical miles, with visits to 18 overseas ports in 13 countries.

The deployment is also providing extensive sea-training opportunities to more than 200 personnel from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Trainees are gaining practical exposure to ocean navigation, traditional sailing techniques and life aboard a tall ship while interacting with personnel from foreign navies.

Through Lokayan 26, India is showcasing its longstanding maritime traditions while advancing naval cooperation and goodwill with countries along the ship’s route. The expedition also reflects India’s broader maritime outreach and its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.