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INS Sudarshini Concludes Port Call in Canary Islands, Strengthens Ties

INS Sudarshini, the Indian Navy's sail training ship, concluded a significant three-day port call at Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, Spain. The visit facilitated high-level diplomatic engagement, with the Commanding Officer meeting the Chief of Canary Islands Naval Command to reinforce bilateral naval ties. The ship was opened to the public, attracting the local community and Indian diaspora to showcase India's maritime heritage. Continuing its Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition, the vessel now heads to Mindelo, Cape Verde, after successful port calls across West Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa.

Key Points: INS Sudarshini Wraps Up Canary Islands Port Call

  • INS Sudarshini concluded a 3-day port call in Las Palmas, Canary Islands
  • Commanding Officer met RAdm Santiago de Colsa Trueba to strengthen bilateral ties
  • Ship was open to visitors, showcasing India's seafaring legacy
  • Next destination is Mindelo, Cape Verde, as part of Lokayan 26 expedition
2 min read

INS Sudarshini concludes port call at Canary Islands

INS Sudarshini concludes a 3-day port call in Canary Islands, strengthening India-Spain naval ties. Next stop: Mindelo, Cape Verde as part of Lokayan 26.

"The voyage epitomises the Indian Navy's commitment to building Bridges of Friendship and mutual trust across the nations. - Indian Defence Ministry"

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, April 27

The Indian Navy's Sail Training Ship, INS Sudarshini, concluded a landmark three-day port call at Las Palmas, Canary Islands, marking a pivotal milestone in its Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition, the Ministry of Defence stated on Monday.

The visit to the Spanish archipelago provided an important avenue for maritime diplomacy and professional engagement, the ministry mentioned.

INS Sudarshini's Commanding Officer called on RAdm Santiago de Colsa Trueba, Chief of Canary Islands Naval Command, an exchange which highlighted the strengthening bilateral ties and the deepening partnership between the two navies, the ministry detailed.

It further stated that during the port call, the ship was open to visitors, drawing large numbers from the local community and the Indian diaspora. Showcasing India's proud seafaring legacy, the visitors were provided a guided tour of the ship, sharing invaluable experiences of ocean sailing and bonds of friendship across the ocean.

INS Sudarshini now proceeds to its next destination - Mindelo, Cape Verde, having completed seven port calls and maritime engagements with the Navies of West Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa. "The voyage epitomises the Indian Navy's commitment to building Bridges of Friendship and mutual trust across the nations," the Indian Defence Ministry noted.

This visit is a part of the vessel's ongoing transoceanic deployment under Lokayan 26, and the stopover serves as a strategic pause before the ship embarks on her ambitious trans-Atlantic passage, spokesperson of the Indian Navy mentioned.

The vessel sailed from Kochi in January and made port calls in Oman, Egypt, Malta, France, and Morocco, spreading the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the Indian Navy emphasised.

The sail training ship, designed by a UK naval architect and built in Goa, aims to cover a total distance of 22,000 nautical miles. The Lokayan-26 journey is meant for sailing training of Indian Navy cadets and to promote maritime goodwill across the world.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Ramesh W
Wonderful to see our sailors building bridges with Spain and the world. But I wish the government would also focus on expanding our domestic shipbuilding industry more aggressively. We have the talent in Goa and elsewhere—imagine if we designed our own sail training ship instead of buying a UK design! Still, a very positive achievement.
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Arjun K
As someone from Kochi, it's heartwarming to see our port hosting such missions and then following their journey around the world. The visit to the Canary Islands shows how our maritime reach is expanding. This is real international engagement, not just talk. Go Navy!
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Sarah B
Impressive journey—22,000 nautical miles is no small feat! I'm based in the US but have Indian roots, and this makes me want to visit the Canary Islands someday. The open-ship event for the Indian diaspora there must have been a great cultural connection. Well done, INS Sudarshini!
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Kavya N
From Oman to Morocco and now the Canary Islands—this is a real global odyssey! It's refreshing to see a military vessel engaging in cultural diplomacy rather than sabre-rattling. Those guided tours are a small gesture that builds so much goodwill. Wishing the crew fair winds ahead to Cape Verde. ✨
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James A
As a maritime enthusiast, following the Lokayan 26 expedition has been fascinating. The stop at Las Palmas is strategic—right before the trans-Atlantic crossing. The ship is a fine example of sail training tradition meeting modern diplomacy. India is truly using its naval assets to foster international friendships.

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