External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday extended his warm wishes to the government and people of Cabo Verde on the occasion of their Independence Day. In a message posted on X, he also greeted his counterpart, Foreign Minister Manuel Amante da Rosa.
Diplomatic Greetings and Naval Diplomacy
“Best wishes to FM Manuel Amante da Rosa, the Government and people of Cabo Verde on the occasion of their Independence Day,” Jaishankar wrote. He shared an image of the Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini at the Port of Mindelo, Cape Verde, which was its final African stopover before embarking on the trans-Atlantic passage in May 2026.
The port call by INS Sudarshini, which took place from 4 to 8 May 2026, was part of the ship’s expedition Lokayan 26. The four-day visit featured professional interactions, cultural exchanges, and social engagements designed to deepen maritime ties between India and Cabo Verde.
Strengthening Maritime Security Cooperation
During the stopover, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini met with Capitão-de-Navio Kahbi Yassine Fonseca Pereira Batista, Commander of the Cabo Verde Coast Guard, at the Coast Guard Command. Their discussions focused on shared interests in maritime security and avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit was a training engagement in which the Indian Navy conducted Damage Control and Seamanship drills onboard the Cabo Verdean patrol vessel Guardiao. Additionally, a delegation from the Cabo Verde Army embarked on INS Sudarshini for a guided tour and an overview of the ship’s sail training capabilities.
Cultural Exchange and Yoga Session
To showcase the warm bond between the two countries, a joint Yoga session was organized with participation from personnel of the Cabo Verde Coast Guard and officials from the Indian Embassy. An onboard reception hosted by the ship brought together senior military officers, government dignitaries, and members of the diplomatic community, fostering goodwill and camaraderie.
The port call at Mindelo marked a key milestone under the Indian Navy’s Bridges of Friendship initiative, reaffirming India’s commitment to maritime outreach and enduring partnerships with friendly nations. This initiative underscores India’s focus on building cooperative security in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
