INS Sudarshini makes first-ever Indian naval visit to Canary Islands

INS Sudarshini has reached Las Palmas under Lokayan 26 before its trans-Atlantic voyage. The first Indian naval port call to the Canary Islands underlines growing maritime ties with Spain.

In Short

• The stopover comes ahead of the vessel's planned trans-Atlantic deployment
• Commanding Officer will hold professional interactions with Spanish naval authorities
• Visitors from the local community and Indian diaspora can board

The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini arrived at Las Palmas on April 23, 2026, as part of its ongoing transoceanic deployment under Lokayan 26. The visit to the Canary Islands is notable as it marks the first-ever port call by an Indian naval vessel to the archipelago, serving as a key halt before the ship begins its trans-Atlantic journey.

During the stopover, the Commanding Officer is scheduled to engage with Spanish naval authorities through professional interactions. The ship will also be open to visitors, including members of the local Spanish community and the Indian diaspora, fostering people-to-people connections.

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

INS Sudarshini, which sailed from Kochi in January 2026, has already made port calls in Oman, Egypt, Malta, France, and Morocco, promoting the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

The ship is next set to undertake a trans-Atlantic voyage and participate in Sail 250 commemorative events at multiple ports in the United States, marking the country’s 250th Independence Day celebrations.

- Ends