INS Sudarshini has arrived in Lisbon on 23 August 2026 as part of her ongoing Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.

The port call is set to further strengthen India’s maritime partnership with Portugal, reflecting the Indian Navy’s commitment to global outreach and cooperation.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that during the visit, the ship’s crew and trainees will engage in professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, and cultural interactions with Portuguese naval leadership, local authorities, and members of the Indian diaspora. These engagements are designed to deepen operational understanding and foster goodwill between the two nations.

The three-masted barque made a grand entry through the Tagus River, demonstrating traditional sailing and seamanship skills. This ceremonial arrival highlighted India’s rich maritime heritage and the enduring traditions of tall ship navigation.

The Lisbon port call marks the fifteenth stop of the voyage in seven months, reaffirming India’s maritime connect and spirit of goodwill across the globe. The ship continues to carry forward the message of friendship, cooperation, and camaraderie as part of Lokayan 26.

Earlier last week, INS Sudarshini concluded her port call at Ponta Delgada in the Azores. That visit included professional and cultural engagements with the Portuguese Navy, further strengthening maritime cooperation and camaraderie between the two navies.

A formal deck reception was hosted onboard the Portuguese Navy’s sail training vessel NRP Sagres. This was followed by a reciprocal evening deck reception onboard INS Sudarshini, attended by local military leadership, diplomats, and members of the Indian diaspora. These events reinforced the bonds of friendship and professional exchange.

The ship also celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day at Ponta Delgada on 15 August 2026. The vessel was dressed overall, and a Colours ceremony was held to mark the occasion with pride and patriotism, symbolising India’s national spirit even while deployed overseas.

INS Sudarshini is undertaking the flagship voyage of Lokayan 26, a ten-month transoceanic expedition that commenced in January 2026. The ship will sail over 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 foreign ports across 13 countries, carrying the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family.

A previous statement by the Ministry of Defence noted that during the voyage, more than 200 Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard trainees will undergo intensive sail training. This will provide invaluable experience in long-range ocean navigation and traditional seamanship at sea.

The deployment will expose trainees to the nuances of life onboard a tall ship and offer opportunities for interaction with trainees from other navies. Such exchanges foster professional understanding and build enduring bonds of friendship across maritime communities.

The Lisbon visit thus represents not only a continuation of India’s maritime diplomacy but also a reaffirmation of its naval heritage and training ethos. It strengthens India-Portugal naval ties while contributing to the broader vision of international cooperation and goodwill.

ANI