IN A HISTORIC FIRST, INS SUDARSHINI ARRIVES AT LAS PALMAS, SPAIN

Maiden visit of an Indian Naval Ship to the Canary Islands archipelago

By PIB Delhi

The Indian Navy’s Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Las Palmas on 23 Apr 2026, as part of her ongoing transoceanic deployment under Lokayan 26. The port call to the Canary Islands archipelago is significant as it marks the maiden visit of an Indian naval ship to the archipelago. The stopover serves as a strategic pause before the ship embarks on her ambitious trans-Atlantic passage.

During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini is scheduled to hold professional interactions with Spanish Naval authorities. Strengthening people-to-people ties, the ship will also be open to visitors for the local Spanish community and the Indian diaspora.

The visit underscores growing maritime cooperation and engagement between the Indian Navy and the Spanish Navy.

Having sailed from Kochi in Jan 2026, INS Sudarshini has undertaken port calls in Oman, Egypt, Malta, France, and Morocco, spreading the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Looking ahead, the ship will undertake a long trans-Atlantic passage with planned participation in Sail 250 commemorative events across various ports in the United States as part of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.