The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship, INS Sudarshini, wrapped up a significant three-day visit to Las Palmas, Canary Islands, as part of its Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. This port call served as a crucial moment for maritime diplomacy and professional interactions, according to the Ministry of Defence. INS Sudarshini’s Commanding Officer met with RAdm Santiago de Colsa Trueba, Chief of Canary Islands Naval Command, emphasizing the growing bilateral relations and partnership between the two navies.
The ship welcomed numerous visitors during the port call, including members of the local community and the Indian diaspora. Guests were given a guided tour of INS Sudarshini, showcasing India’s rich seafaring heritage and fostering bonds of friendship through shared experiences of ocean navigation. Following its stay in Las Palmas, INS Sudarshini is now en route to its next destination, Mindelo, Cape Verde, after engaging in port calls and maritime activities with various navies across West Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa.
The Indian Defence Ministry highlighted the significance of this voyage in promoting friendship and trust among nations. This visit is part of INS Sudarshini’s ongoing transoceanic mission under Lokayan 26, with the Las Palmas stopover serving as a strategic pause before the ship undertakes its ambitious trans-Atlantic journey. The sail training ship, constructed in Goa based on designs by a UK naval architect, aims to cover a total distance of 22,000 nautical miles, facilitating sailing training for Indian Navy cadets and fostering maritime goodwill globally.
