INS Sudarshini’s Livorno port call strengthens India-Italy maritime partnership

From professional exchanges ashore to a joint naval exercise at sea, Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini’s port call at Livorno has emerged as a significant engagement in the growing maritime partnership between India and Italy.

The Indian Navy vessel arrived at Livorno Port during its ongoing transoceanic expedition, Lokayan 26, and carried out a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy’s sail training ship ITS Palinuro.

The exercise provided an opportunity for the two navies to enhance interoperability and operational familiarity, while also reinforcing their shared commitment to expanding maritime cooperation.

The Embassy of Italy described the visit as an important milestone in India-Italy maritime relations, highlighting the exchanges between Indian naval and Italian civil and military authorities.

During the port call, INS Sudarshini’s Commanding Officer, Commander Ravikanth, called on Luca Salvetti, Mayor of Livorno; Rear Admiral Alberto Tarabotto, Commandant of the Italian Naval Academy; and Edoardo Lombardi, Vice Prefect of Livorno.

The engagements underscored the longstanding ties between the two countries, while creating further avenues for institutional interaction and a deeper understanding between their maritime communities.

The Livorno visit comes shortly after INS Sudarshini completed a six-day port call in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday, where it also strengthened maritime and professional ties with Spanish naval and maritime authorities.

INS Sudarshini had reached Barcelona on September 1. During its stay, the ship hosted a deck reception attended by senior naval officers, diplomatic representatives, civil authorities and other distinguished guests.

The vessel was also opened to visitors, allowing members of the Indian community and locals to meet the crew and trainees and learn more about the Indian Navy’s sail training traditions.

The Barcelona engagement combined professional interaction with cultural outreach, further reinforcing India’s maritime links with Spain.

The ongoing voyage under Lokayan 26 is aimed at showcasing India’s maritime capabilities and the Indian Navy’s emphasis on professional training, ocean sailing and operational excellence. The expedition also reflects India’s wider engagement with the global maritime community.

With INS Sudarshini now completing engagements in Italy after Spain, the expedition is serving not only as a platform for advanced sail training but also as a bridge for strengthening naval diplomacy and people-to-people connections across Europe.