INSV Kaundinya Embarks on Historic Maiden Voyage to Oman
The Indian Navy’s innovative stitched sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, has set sail on its inaugural overseas journey from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman. This 65-foot vessel departed on December 29, 2025, retracing ancient maritime routes that once connected India’s western coast with the Arabian Peninsula. The voyage not only marks a significant milestone for the Indian Navy but also serves as a revival of India’s rich maritime heritage.
A Historic Flag-Off Ceremony
The launch of INSV Kaundinya was celebrated with a formal flag-off ceremony attended by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, and Issa Saleh Al Shibani, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India. Vice Admiral Swaminathan praised the vessel as a remarkable blend of history, craftsmanship, and naval innovation. He emphasized that this project revives ancient shipbuilding techniques, showcasing them on a modern platform.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations to the Indian Navy via social media, highlighting the vessel’s significance in showcasing India’s maritime heritage. He wished the crew well as they embarked on this historic journey.
Design Inspired by Ancient Maritime Traditions
INSV Kaundinya’s design is inspired by a 5th-century CE merchant ship depicted in the murals of Cave 17 at the Ajanta Caves complex. The vessel employs traditional stitched-plank techniques, utilizing natural fibers and resins instead of metal nails, a method used by ancient Indian mariners to prevent corrosion in seawater. The ship’s planks are tied together with coir rope, and its hull features intricate motifs, including the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle) and a Harappan-style stone anchor on deck.
The vessel’s square sails and steering oars differ significantly from modern ships, requiring the crew to rely on skills and techniques that have largely faded from contemporary maritime practices. The name “Kaundinya” pays homage to a legendary first-century Indian mariner who is noted for his voyages to Southeast Asia, marking one of the earliest documented instances of Indian maritime exploration.
Reviving Ancient Shipbuilding Techniques
The idea to recreate an ancient Indian sailing vessel was initiated by economist and historian Sanjeev Sanyal and brought to fruition by Commander Hemanth Kumar, a naval architect with the Indian Navy. The project was funded through a tripartite agreement involving the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Goa-based shipbuilding company M/s Hodi Innovations, signed in July 2023. The keel of INSV Kaundinya was laid in September 2023, and after nearly two years of dedicated work, the ship was commissioned on May 21, 2025.
A team of Indian Navy officers collaborated with skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran, to recreate the vessel using references from ancient texts and murals. The Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras assisted in validating the vessel’s hydrodynamic behavior, ensuring that it could withstand the rigors of open-sea voyages.
Strengthening India-Oman Relations
With a crew of 18 sailors, INSV Kaundinya will cover a distance of 1,400 kilometers, expected to reach Oman after approximately 15 days at sea. This journey not only retraces historical trade routes but also aims to enhance bilateral relations between India and Oman, emphasizing their shared maritime heritage. The arrival of INSV Kaundinya in Muscat is anticipated to symbolize enduring friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
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Vice Admiral Swaminathan highlighted that this voyage is more than a tribute to history; it serves as an active exercise in cultural diplomacy, showcasing the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime heritage preservation and regional cooperation.
