LISBON, Aug 26: Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini has departed Lisbon after a three day port call conducted as part of the Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition, reinforcing maritime cooperation between India and Portugal.
The visit included a series of official meetings and professional activities designed to deepen naval ties and provide Indian sea trainees with opportunities to interact with their Portuguese counterparts.
During the stay, the ship’s Commanding Officer met Rear Admiral Miguel Bessa Pacheco, Commandant of the Portuguese Naval Academy, and Rear Admiral Joao Paulo Silva Pereira, Deputy Fleet Commander of the Portuguese Navy.
The discussions centred on strengthening institutional cooperation, expanding professional exchanges and improving mutual understanding between the two naval establishments.
Indian Navy sea trainees also visited the Portuguese Naval Academy, known as Escola Naval, where they interacted with Portuguese naval trainees. The engagement offered an opportunity to learn about the academy’s training facilities and exchange experiences related to seamanship and tall-ship sailing.
A deck reception was also organised onboard INS Sudarshini. Senior Portuguese military officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the Indian diaspora attended the event.
The Lisbon stop came after the vessel’s earlier visit to Ponta Delgada, further highlighting the longstanding maritime relationship between India and Portugal.
The engagements at both Portuguese ports underlined the two countries’ shared interest in expanding naval cooperation, professional interaction and maritime people to people connections.
Lokayan 2026 is providing Indian Navy personnel with practical experience in long-distance sailing while also supporting international engagement with friendly maritime nations. The expedition forms part of the Navy’s broader efforts to develop sea going skills and strengthen India’s maritime outreach.
