INS Sudarshini completes Azores port call, sails for Lisbon in Lokayan 2026
Synopsis
INS Sudarshini has completed a landmark port call at the Azores — celebrating India's 80th Independence Day at sea and hosting Portuguese naval leadership — after completing its second Atlantic crossing in 19 days from Boston. A joint sail exercise with Portugal's NRP Sagres is now set for 21 August off Lisbon, marking the deepest operational chapter of Lokayan 2026 yet.
Key Takeaways
INS Sudarshini concluded its port call at Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal as part of Lokayan 2026 .
The ship celebrated India's 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 at Ponta Delgada with a formal Colours ceremony .
Deck receptions were exchanged with the Portuguese Navy's sail training vessel NRP Sagres , attended by military officials, diplomats, and the Indian diaspora.
INS Sudarshini completed a 19-day trans-Atlantic passage from Boston — its second Atlantic crossing .
A joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with NRP Sagres is scheduled for 21 August 2026 off Lisbon.
The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini has concluded its port call at Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island — the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal — as part of the Lokayan 2026 deployment, the Ministry of Defence announced on Monday, 18 August 2026. The visit featured professional exchanges and cultural engagements with the Portuguese Navy, deepening bilateral maritime ties between India and Portugal.
Key Engagements at Ponta Delgada
During the port call, a formal deck reception was hosted aboard the Portuguese Navy's sail training vessel NRP Sagres. A reciprocal evening reception followed onboard INS Sudarshini, attended by local military leadership, diplomats, and members of the Indian diaspora.
The ship also marked India's 80th Independence Day at Ponta Delgada on 15 August 2026. The vessel was dressed overall and a formal Colours ceremony was conducted to commemorate the occasion, according to the Ministry of Defence statement.
Commanding Officer's Call and Professional Exchanges
The Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini called on Comodoro Luis Nicholson Lavrador, Commander of the Azores Maritime Zone (COM CZMA). Interactions during the ship's stay centred on professional engagements with the Portuguese Navy alongside cultural exchanges aimed at enhancing interoperability and camaraderie between the two navies.
Trans-Atlantic Passage and Second Atlantic Crossing
INS Sudarshini entered Ponta Delgada on 13 August 2026 following a 19-day trans-Atlantic passage from Boston, United States. The Ministry of Defence noted that this was the ship's second Atlantic crossing, underscoring the endurance, grit, and seamanship of her crew — and marking another milestone in the Lokayan 26 deployment.
What Comes Next: Joint Exercise with NRP Sagres
INS Sudarshini has now set sail for Lisbon. On 21 August 2026, the ship and NRP Sagres are scheduled to conduct a joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) at sea, featuring coordinated sail manoeuvres and communication drills. The exercise is expected to further strengthen maritime interoperability between the Indian and Portuguese navies ahead of the next leg of the Lokayan 2026 voyage.
Point of View
But the more consequential marker is the joint PASSEX with NRP Sagres: operational interoperability with a NATO member's navy, conducted quietly and without fanfare. Mainstream coverage will file this under 'goodwill visit'; the more accurate read is calibrated naval diplomacy, building the muscle memory for deeper coordination with European partners.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lokayan 2026 and what is INS Sudarshini's role in it?
Lokayan 2026 is an Indian Navy overseas deployment involving the sail training ship INS Sudarshini. The ship is undertaking an extended voyage across multiple countries to strengthen maritime partnerships and build seamanship skills, with the Azores port call being a key milestone.
What did INS Sudarshini do during its Ponta Delgada port call?
During the port call, INS Sudarshini hosted a reciprocal deck reception for local military leadership, diplomats, and the Indian diaspora, and participated in a formal reception aboard Portuguese Navy vessel NRP Sagres. The ship also celebrated India's 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 with a Colours ceremony.
What is the significance of INS Sudarshini's trans-Atlantic passage?
The 19-day trans-Atlantic voyage from Boston to Ponta Delgada was INS Sudarshini's second Atlantic crossing, which the Ministry of Defence highlighted as a demonstration of the crew's endurance, grit, and seamanship capabilities.
What is the PASSEX exercise planned between India and Portugal?
A Passing Exercise (PASSEX) between INS Sudarshini and Portugal's NRP Sagres is scheduled for 21 August 2026 at sea off Lisbon. It will feature coordinated sail manoeuvres and communication drills aimed at enhancing interoperability between the two navies.
Where is INS Sudarshini headed after the Azores?
After concluding its port call at Ponta Delgada, INS Sudarshini has set sail for Lisbon, Portugal's capital, where it will conduct the joint PASSEX exercise with NRP Sagres on 21 August 2026.
