INSV Kaundinya's Historic Voyage: Reviving Ancient India-Oman Maritime Links
A Journey Through Time
The INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally crafted stitched ship, successfully docked in Muscat on Wednesday after a remarkable 17-day journey from Porbandar, Gujarat. This voyage not only marked a significant achievement but also symbolized the revival of ancient maritime connections between India and Oman.
Upon arrival, the crew, consisting of four officers and 13 sailors under Commander Vikas Sheoran, received a warm welcome at a ceremony attended by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, along with officials from the Indian Embassy and Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
Measuring 65 feet in length, the vessel was built using traditional stitching techniques and natural materials that hark back centuries. It is a recreation of a fifth-century ship inspired by artwork from the Ajanta Caves.
Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is said to have navigated from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, the ship represents India's historical maritime legacy.
This expedition serves as a reminder of India's rich maritime history and its enduring relationship with Oman. 'The crew has made India proud, and this voyage has reinforced our long-standing friendship with Oman,' Sonowal remarked during the welcoming ceremony at Port Sultan Qaboos.
Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, was also present to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council who sailed on the ship, emphasized the adventurous spirit of ancient India, stating, 'We are celebrating the legacy of risk-takers and explorers who ventured into new territories and shared cultures.'
The ship embarked on its maiden voyage on December 29, retracing ancient trade routes that once linked India's western coast with Oman, fostering cultural exchanges and civilizational interactions across the Indian Ocean.
The project to construct this stitched ship was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023, involving the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, with financial backing from the Ministry of Culture.
Commander Y Hemant Kumar, who oversaw the expedition, expressed pride and excitement upon reaching Muscat, describing the journey as exhilarating and adventurous. He noted the challenges of navigating a transoceanic route of approximately 650 nautical miles, stating that the Indian Navy's training was invaluable.
Kumar also highlighted the unique challenges of designing the ship, which was based on an artistic representation rather than a detailed blueprint. 'This project was a departure from the Indian Navy's usual focus on modern warships,' he explained.
The ship's construction involved no nails, relying solely on stitching techniques executed by traditional artisans from Kerala, ensuring its seaworthiness.
The Indian Embassy in Muscat confirmed the successful completion of the INSV Kaundinya's maiden voyage, emphasizing its role as a powerful symbol of the deep-rooted maritime, cultural, and civilizational ties between India and Oman, which span over 5,000 years.
The expedition is particularly significant as both nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. A large Indian community, including students, gathered to welcome the ship, which was accompanied by traditional cultural performances from both Indian and Omani communities.
From the start of construction in September 2023 to its induction into the Indian Navy in May 2025, this initiative has successfully revived a nearly extinct shipbuilding tradition.
Looking forward, India and Oman are set to enhance their maritime cooperation, focusing on improved connectivity, secure sea lines of communication, and emerging opportunities in the blue economy.