INS Sudarshini concludes Azores visit, to conduct maritime exercise with Portuguese Navy
New Delhi, Aug 17. Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini has concluded its port call at Ponta Delgada in Portugal’s Azores archipelago as part of its ongoing Lokayan 2026 deployment, strengthening professional and cultural ties with the Portuguese Navy.
The ship’s visit, which ended on August 16, featured a series of engagements aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and fostering greater camaraderie between the two navies.
As part of the programme, the Portuguese Navy hosted a formal deck reception aboard its sail training vessel NRP Sagres. INS Sudarshini subsequently hosted a reciprocal evening reception onboard for local military leaders, diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora.
The Indian naval vessel also marked India’s 80th Independence Day in Ponta Delgada on August 15. The ship was dressed overall for the occasion and a Colours ceremony was conducted onboard to commemorate the national day.
Following the port call, INS Sudarshini sailed for Lisbon, where it is scheduled to undertake a joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with NRP Sagres on August 21.
The exercise will involve coordinated sailing manoeuvres and communication drills, providing an opportunity for the two navies to enhance interoperability and further strengthen maritime cooperation.
The planned exercise forms part of India’s broader naval engagement with friendly maritime nations and highlights the role of sail training deployments in combining operational training with diplomatic and cultural outreach.
