The INS Sudarshini Sagres PASSEX is now on the horizon after the Indian Navy sail training ship wound up its port call at Ponta Delgada in the Azores on Sunday, closing out this stop on the ship's Lokayan 2026 voyage. The call brought a run of professional and cultural engagements with the Portuguese Navy, deepening maritime cooperation and camaraderie between the two navies.

Deck Receptions Mark the Port Call

A formal deck reception was hosted onboard NRP Sagres, the Portuguese Navy's own sail training vessel, for the visiting Indian crew. A reciprocal evening deck reception followed onboard INS Sudarshini, drawing local military leadership, diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora in the Azores.

India's 80th Independence Day Observed in the Azores

INS Sudarshini also marked India's 80th Independence Day at Ponta Delgada on Saturday.

The ship was dressed overall for the occasion, and a Colours ceremony was held on deck to mark the day with pride and patriotism, the Indian Navy said.

A Colours Ceremony Aboard

The ceremony was timed to the ship's stay in the Azores, ahead of her departure for the next leg of the voyage.

Course Now Set for Lisbon

INS Sudarshini has since set sail for Lisbon, the next stop on Lokayan 2026. The voyage has carried the tall ship through a string of Atlantic ports this year, from a Parade of Sail through New York's harbour to a departure from Boston that turned the ship back across the Atlantic toward the Azores.

INS Sudarshini Sagres PASSEX Set for Friday

On 21 August, INS Sudarshini and NRP Sagres are scheduled to undertake a joint Passing Exercise at sea, featuring coordinated sail manoeuvres and communication drills.

The INS Sudarshini Sagres PASSEX is billed as a further step in interoperability and maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and its Portuguese Navy counterpart, coming days after diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora, reachable through the Embassy of India in Lisbon, attended the ship's Ponta Delgada reception.