INS Sudarshini’s Mindelo stopover strengthens India-Cabo Verde maritime friendship

New Delhi, May 10. The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini concluded a four-day port call at Mindelo on May 8 as part of Expedition Lokayan 26, combining professional exchanges, cultural outreach and social engagements to deepen maritime ties with Cabo Verde.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence here May 10, during the visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer met Capitão-de-Navio Kahbi Yassine Fonseca Pereira Batista, Commander of the Cabo Verde Coast Guard, at the Coast Guard Command to discuss shared priorities in maritime security and avenues for enhanced cooperation. A key highlight was the training interaction, with Indian Navy personnel conducting damage control and seamanship drills aboard the Cabo Verdean patrol vessel Guardiao. A delegation from the Cabo Verde Army also toured INS Sudarshini to gain insights into the vessel’s sail training role and capabilities.

Reflecting the warmth in bilateral ties, a joint yoga session brought together members of the Cabo Verde Coast Guard and officials from the Indian Embassy. The ship also hosted an onboard reception attended by senior military officers, government representatives and members of the diplomatic community, fostering goodwill and camaraderie.

The port call formed an important milestone under the Indian Navy’s “Bridges of Friendship” initiative, underscoring India’s commitment to maritime outreach and enduring partnerships with friendly nations.

INS Sudarshini now sails onward to St John’s for the next and longest leg of her trans-Atlantic voyage.