INS Sudarshini arrives in Barcelona as part of Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition

Barcelona: Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived in Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday as part of its ongoing Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship’s port call in Barcelona will include professional and cultural engagements with the Spanish Navy and other maritime stakeholders. The sea trainees onboard will take part in professional interactions and seamanship exchanges with their Spanish counterparts.

INS Sudarshini will also be open to visitors on September 4, allowing members of the public to experience India’s maritime traditions and get an insight into the spirit of naval exploration.

The Ministry said the voyage highlights India’s maritime capabilities and growing prominence in global maritime activities, while also reflecting the Indian Navy’s commitment to professional training and excellence in ocean sailing expeditions.

The Barcelona visit follows the ship’s arrival in Lisbon, Portugal, on August 22. The three-masted barque made its entry through the Tagus River, showcasing traditional sailing and seamanship skills.

During its stay in Lisbon, the crew and trainees participated in professional exchanges, cross-deck visits and cultural engagements with Portuguese naval leadership, local authorities and members of the Indian diaspora.

The Lisbon port call was the ship’s 15th visit in seven months of its voyage, reaffirming India’s longstanding maritime ties and its spirit of goodwill with countries across the globe.

Before Lisbon, INS Sudarshini concluded a port call at Ponta Delgada in the Azores. The visit featured professional and cultural engagements with the Portuguese Navy, aimed at 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, followed by a reciprocal evening reception onboard INS Sudarshini for local military leaders, diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora.

The ship also marked India’s 80th Independence Day at Ponta Delgada on August 15. INS Sudarshini was dressed overall and a Colours ceremony was held onboard to commemorate the occasion.

INS Sudarshini is undertaking Lokayan 26, a 10-month transoceanic expedition that began in January this year. The voyage is aimed at providing naval trainees with extensive exposure to ocean sailing, seamanship and international maritime engagements.