INSV Kaundinya sails on maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar to Oman
NEW DELHI: Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya, the Indian Navys indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel, on Monday sailed on her maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a social media message, congratulated the entire team involved in the project. Wonderful to see that INSV Kaundinya is embarking on her maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman. Built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, this ship highlights Indias rich maritime traditions. I congratulate the designers, artisans, shipbuilders and the Indian Navy for their dedicated efforts in bringing this unique vessel to life. My best wishes to the crew for a safe and memorable journey, as they retrace our historic links with the Gulf region and beyond, the Prime Minister said. The vessel was formally flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, in the presence of Issa Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India, along with senior Indian Navy officers and distinguished guests. Terming the expedition historic, the Indian Navy said it marks a major milestone in Indias efforts to revive, understand, and celebrate its ancient maritime heritage through a living ocean voyage. As reported earlier by TNIE , the sailing vessel is based on depictions of ancient Indian ships and has been constructed entirely using traditional stitched-plank techniques. INSV Kaundinya represents a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship, and modern naval expertise. Constructed using natural materials and traditional shipbuilding methods that date back several centuries, the vessel draws inspiration from historical sources and iconographic evidence. It reflects Indias rich legacy of indigenous shipbuilding, seamanship, and oceanic navigation. The voyage retraces ancient maritime routes that once connected Indias western coast with Oman, facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and sustained civilisational interactions across the Indian Ocean. The expedition is expected to enhance bilateral relations between India and Oman by reinforcing shared maritime heritage and strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties. The arrival of INSV Kaundinya in Muscat will serve as a symbol of the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual trust, and respect that have linked the two maritime nations for centuries. The journey also highlights the deep historical connections between Gujarat and Oman, reflecting a legacy of cooperation that continues to the present day. Through this expedition, the Indian Navy has underscored its commitment to maritime diplomacy, heritage preservation, and regional cooperation. INSV Kaundinyas voyage stands as a testament to Indias civilisational maritime outlook and its role as a responsible and culturally rooted maritime nation in the Indian Ocean Region. Commander Vikas Sheoran is the skipper of the vessel, while Commander Y. Hemant Kumar, who has been associated with the project since its conceptualisation, is serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the expedition. The crew comprises four officers and thirteen naval sailors.
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