The stopover of the 'INS Sudarshini' in Portugal: an encounter between two maritime civilizations
A Escala do INS Sudarshini em Portugal: Um Encontro Entre Duas Civilizações Marítimas
The Indian training ship INS Sudarshini will call at the Port of Lisbon: its second stop in Portugal after visiting Ponta Delgada, Azores. On this trip, it carries not only 50 young trainees, but also the legacy of a 5000-year maritime history, and now visits a nation whose own maritime history and greatness need no introduction.
The name of this three-masted ship means "auspicious vision" and it is named after Buddha's half-sister. It officially entered service in January 2012, having been built by Goa Shipyard Limited in the city of Vasco da Gama, Goa, and will anchor not far from the place where Vasco da Gama set sail and where he is buried.
The INS Sudarshini departed Kochi in January 2026 as part of Lokayan-26 , a ten-month, 22,000-nautical-mile transoceanic expedition that will take it to 18 ports in 13 countries. It has already called at Oman, Egypt, and Malta, participated in the Escale à Sète sailing festival in France, and represented India at Sail Boston 2026 and the International Naval Review , which marked the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States. It is truly a "floating ambassador," built for both diplomacy and training, using the universal language of sailing to open doors that warships and diplomatic telegrams cannot.
"The visit of the 'INS Sudarshini' reaffirms the historical relationship between India and Portugal and reminds us that the ocean unites much more than it divides."
Vasco da Gama's arrival in India in 1498 united both countries in a maritime relationship that fostered lasting exchanges in the areas of architecture, gastronomy, language, scholarship, and maritime knowledge. Thus, today, the INS Sudarshini does not dock on an unknown shore; its voyage pays homage to ancient maritime traditions and articulates the Indian vision of MAHASAGAR ( Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions ).
India views the Indian Ocean and surrounding maritime spaces as regions of peace, security, and inclusive prosperity. Portugal, with its Atlantic orientation, strong naval tradition, and membership in the EU and NATO, has significant maritime interests. Both share common interests, including maritime security and the safeguarding of critical submarine infrastructure. They also share concerns regarding activities such as piracy, illegal fishing, and the trafficking of arms and drugs. Since global trade continues to overwhelmingly depend on secure shipping routes, the nations have recognized the importance of collaborative approaches to maritime security and freedom of navigation, values that both countries uphold.
Visitors embarking on the ship will see not only a magnificently preserved sailing vessel, but also a living representation of India's growing maritime confidence and aspirations. The ship carries the enduring spirit of maritime exploration and the timeless reminder that the oceans remain one of humanity's greatest shared spaces.
The visit of the INS Sudarshini reaffirms the historical relationship between India and Portugal and reminds us that the ocean unites much more than it divides. A cause for rejoicing: the ship also greeted its "sister ship," the Portuguese training vessel NRP Sagres , in Ponta Delgada and at sea, during a passing exercise ( PASSEX ).