**Executive Summary: INS Sudarshini Concludes Port Call at Antigua**
**Overview**
On May 31, 2026, the Indian Navy ship INS Sudarshini departed Antigua following a successful four-day port call. This visit served as a significant milestone in India’s maritime engagement with Caribbean nations under the ongoing **Lokayan 26 expedition**. The primary objective of the call was to enhance maritime cooperation and strengthen linkages between the maritime forces of India and Antigua.
**Key Engagements and Dignitaries**
The visit facilitated high-level diplomatic and military interactions, including:
* **H.E. Mr. Gaston Browne:** The Honorable Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda was hosted aboard the ship.
* **Brigadier Telbert Benjamin:** The Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini called on the Chief of Defence Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF).
* **Professional Exchanges:** Sessions were held to strengthen ties between the two maritime forces.
* **Public Outreach:** The ship was opened to visitors, allowing the public to experience the Indian Navy’s heritage and sail-training traditions.
**Strategic Vision**
The port call underscored India’s commitment to enduring maritime partnerships and the promotion of global goodwill. These efforts align with the national visions of **MAHASAGAR** and **Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam** (The World is One Family).
**Future Deployment**
Following its departure from Antigua, INS Sudarshini is en route to the United States. It is scheduled to participate in the **International Naval Review** and **SAIL 250** celebrations, which commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
**Administrative and Contact Information**
* **Issuing Authority:** Ministry of Defence, PIB Delhi
* **Publication Date:** 02 June 2026, 7:59 PM
* **Release ID:** 2268129
* **Visitor Count:** 817
* **Language Availability:** The release is available in Urdu, Hindi, and Tamil.
Key Entities Referenced
Lokayan 26 expedition: The maritime outreach and engagement mission under which the Indian Navy ship is visiting Caribbean nations and the United States.
MAHASAGAR: India's high-level maritime vision and outreach initiative for active security and growth for all in the region.
INS Sudarshini: An Indian Navy sail training ship conducting global maritime cooperation visits and professional exchanges.
Antigua and Barbuda: The Caribbean nation that served as the primary location for the ship's diplomatic port call and maritime engagement.
SAIL 250: An upcoming international maritime celebration in the United States commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Ministry of Defence
INS SUDARSHINI CONCLUDES PORT CALL AT
ANTIGUA
प्रव तथ: 02 JUN 2026 7:59PM by PIB Delhi
INS Sudarshini departed Antigua on 31 May 2026 after concluding a four-day port call that marked an
important milestone in India's maritime outreach and engagement with Caribbean nations under the
ongoing Lokayan 26 expedition. The visit enhanced maritime cooperation between India and Antigua.
During the visit, the ship hosted several dignitaries, including H.E. Mr Gaston Browne, Hon’ble Prime Minister of
Antigua and Barbuda. The Commanding Officer also called on Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, Chief of Defence
Staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF).
Professional exchanges strengthened linkages between the two maritime forces. The ship was opened for
visitors providing them an opportunity to experience the unique heritage and sail-training traditions of the
Indian Navy.
The visit underscored India's commitment to fostering enduring maritime partnerships and promoting
goodwill in line with the vision of MAHASAGAR and Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam- The World is One Family. The
ship now proceeds to the United States to participate in the International Naval Review and SAIL 250
celebrations commemorating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.**********
VM/SKY
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2268129) आगंतुक पटल : 817
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , ही , Tamil