India Revives Maritime Heritage with INSV Kaundinya's Voyage to Oman

India is revitalizing its historic maritime connections with Oman through the arrival of the INSV Kaundinya in Muscat. This vessel's journey symbolizes over 5,000 years of shared maritime heritage and highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the importance of this voyage in commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations. The initiative showcases India's traditional shipbuilding techniques and opens avenues for investment in the maritime sector. With plans for a Green Shipping Corridor and a focus on sustainable practices, both nations are committed to enhancing their maritime cooperation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 16, 2026, 09:15 IST

Strengthening Maritime Connections

Guwahati, Jan 16: In a bid to restore its ancient maritime connections, India has made a significant move with the arrival of the Indian vessel INSV Kaundinya in Muscat after its inaugural journey from Porbandar. This event marks a pivotal moment in the maritime history shared between India and Oman.

The vessel and its crew were welcomed by Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), at Port Sultan Qaboos on January 14.

In an interview, Sonowal emphasized India's rich maritime heritage and its historical relationships with various nations. He noted that while India once had a robust shipbuilding industry, various factors led to a decline in these maritime connections, which are now being actively revived.

The journey of this traditionally crafted vessel to Oman symbolizes the profound maritime, cultural, and civilizational links that have existed between the two countries for over 5,000 years. It also highlights the oceans as vital pathways that have facilitated enduring interactions between India and Oman throughout history. This expedition is particularly meaningful as both nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations.

INSV Kaundinya, named after the famed Indian navigator, represents India's traditional maritime expertise, craftsmanship, and eco-friendly shipbuilding methods. This initiative was conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and brought to life by the Indian Navy, with contributions from naval architects, archaeologists, and skilled shipwrights. The vessel's design draws inspiration from a fifth-century CE ship illustrated in the Ajanta Cave paintings, employing ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques that do not use modern nails or metal fastenings.

During his visit, Minister Sonowal also engaged in discussions with H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, focusing on enhancing maritime collaboration between the two nations.

He pointed out the significant potential for Omani businesses to invest in India's burgeoning port and maritime sector. Sonowal highlighted flagship port-led infrastructure projects, such as the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, which has an estimated investment of USD 9 billion and aims for a capacity of 23 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), and the Tuticorin Outer Harbour Project in Tamil Nadu, valued at USD 1.3 billion with a capacity of 4 million TEUs.

Additionally, Sonowal outlined a USD 8.4 billion maritime development initiative aimed at bolstering the shipbuilding industry. This initiative includes the establishment of shipbuilding clusters, industrialization driven by shipbuilding, dedicated R&D support, and the creation of a Maritime Development Fund. He also proposed the formation of a Green Shipping Corridor between India and Oman as a significant area for future cooperation.

Furthermore, the Minister welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between India and Oman regarding maritime heritage and museums, which is expected to enhance cooperation and enrich the shared maritime history of both nations.

India and Oman are committed to fortifying their maritime relations through improved connectivity, sustainable shipping practices, and increased collaboration in ports, shipbuilding, and maritime activities.