The Indian Navy sail training ship INS Sudarshini has departed Antigua and Barbuda following a four-day port call, concluding a visit that deepened maritime ties between India and the twin-island nation.
The vessel arrived as part of the Lokayan 26 expedition, a mission aimed at strengthening maritime partnerships and fostering goodwill with Caribbean nations. During its stay, the ship hosted several dignitaries, among them Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The ship's commanding officer also held a meeting with Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.
The visit featured professional exchanges between the two maritime forces, offering both sides an opportunity to share knowledge and build institutional ties. Members of the public were also welcomed aboard for tours, giving visitors a firsthand look at the Indian Navy's sail-training traditions and rich maritime heritage.
India's Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Antigua stop formed part of a broader effort to cultivate maritime partnerships across the Caribbean region. The INS Sudarshini is now scheduled to proceed to the United States, where it will participate in events commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
