Indian Navy sailing training ship INS Sudarshini reached Lisbon, Portugal, on August 22 as part of its ongoing Lokayan 26 maritime expedition, marking the vessel’s 15th port call during its seven-month voyage.

The three-masted sailing ship made a ceremonial entry into the Tagus River, showcasing traditional sailing techniques and maritime skills. The visit is aimed at strengthening India’s longstanding maritime connections and promoting goodwill and cooperation with partner countries.

During its stay in Lisbon, the ship’s crew and trainees are scheduled to engage with Portuguese naval leadership, local authorities and members of the Indian diaspora. The programme includes professional interactions, cross-deck visits and cultural activities designed to promote greater understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

The Lisbon port call is the 15th stop of INS Sudarshini during its seven-month maritime journey. Through the Lokayan 26 expedition, the Indian Navy is using the sailing voyage to showcase India’s maritime traditions while building professional and cultural links with partner nations.

The deployment also provides naval trainees with practical exposure to long-distance sailing, seamanship and life at sea. The traditional sailing ship serves both as a training platform and as an instrument of maritime diplomacy during its international voyage.

The Indian Navy said the expedition reflects India’s enduring maritime relationships and its commitment to fostering friendship, cooperation and goodwill with countries along the vessel’s route.

The Lisbon visit comes as part of the broader effort under Lokayan 26 to strengthen international maritime engagement and highlight India’s sailing heritage. Through port interactions and cultural exchanges, the expedition is expected to further deepen people-to-people and institutional ties between India and Portugal.

In a message posted on social media platform X, Modi said the relationship between India and the United States goes far beyond strategic cooperation and is built on the foundations of democracy, the rule of law and faith in the potential of their people.

“On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend heartfelt congratulations to President Trump and the people of the United States on this historic 250th anniversary of your Independence,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, Modi said the two nations share a unique bond that has evolved into a force for global welfare. He noted that both countries continue to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, technology, defence, education, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the coming years would bring greater prosperity, peace and progress to the United States while further deepening the partnership between New Delhi and Washington.

“Our shared belief in democracy, the rule of law and the limitless potential of our people makes our friendship a force for global good,” Modi said, adding that he looked forward to seeing India-US relations reach new heights in the years ahead.

The message drew a response from US Ambassador Sergio Gor, who thanked the Prime Minister for his wishes. Sharing Modi’s post on X, Gor wrote a brief message expressing appreciation for the greetings extended by India on the landmark occasion.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in New Delhi marked the celebrations by releasing a special video commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The video featured highlights from the recent meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France.

The tribute also included messages from prominent Indian personalities, among them former NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman, who joined in congratulating the United States on the milestone.

The United States celebrated its 250th Independence Day on July 4, marking two and a half centuries since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The anniversary has been observed through a series of commemorative events across the country and abroad.

India has also participated in the celebrations through a significant maritime outreach initiative. The Indian Navy deployed INS Sudarshini to take part in events associated with the anniversary year. According to the Navy, the vessel is currently undertaking the Lokayan-26 voyage, aimed at showcasing India’s maritime heritage and strengthening international goodwill and cooperation.

The Ministry of Defence said INS Sudarshini recently arrived at the Port of Baltimore after sailing from Norfolk, Virginia, through the historic Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Earlier, the ship participated in the Sail 250 Virginia celebrations from June 19 to June 23, representing India alongside traditional sailing vessels from several countries.

The deployment of INS Sudarshini reflects India’s growing maritime engagement with partner nations and underscores the broader strategic relationship between India and the United States. As both democracies continue to expand cooperation in key sectors ranging from defence and technology to trade and education, the exchange of messages on the occasion of America’s 250th Independence Day highlighted the enduring strength of one of the world’s most significant bilateral partnerships.