Porbandar: The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, an indigenously built traditional stitched ship of the Indian Navy, embarked on its first overseas journey from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman on Monday. The voyage represents a significant step in India’s endeavour to rediscover, document, and honour its ancient seafaring traditions through an active ocean passage.
The sailing vessel was ceremonially flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The event was attended by His Excellency Issa Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of Oman to India, along with senior naval officials and guests.
INSV Kaundinya has been crafted using age-old stitched shipbuilding practices, relying on natural materials and traditional construction techniques that have been followed for centuries. Drawing inspiration from historical records and visual depictions, the vessel reflects India’s long-standing traditions of indigenous ship construction, navigation and maritime skill, according to an official statement. Its journey follows historic sea lanes that once linked India’s western coastline with Oman, routes that played a crucial role in trade, cultural interaction, and long-standing civilisational contact across the Indian Ocean.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the designers, artisans, shipbuilders, and the Indian Navy for their dedicated efforts in bringing this unique vessel to life.
The expedition is expected to further strengthen ties between India and Oman by highlighting their shared maritime past and deepening cultural and people-to-people connections. The vessel’s arrival in Muscat will stand as a symbolic reminder of the long-standing relationship, trust and mutual respect between the two seafaring nations. The voyage also draws attention to the historical links between Gujarat and Oman, underscoring a tradition of cooperation that remains relevant today.
Through this mission, the Indian Navy reaffirms its focus on maritime outreach, preservation of heritage and regional engagement. The journey of INSV Kaundinya reflects India’s enduring maritime ethos and its identity as a culturally grounded and responsible nation within the Indian Ocean Region.
The vessel is being commanded by Commander Vikas Sheoran, while Commander Y Hemant Kumar, who has been associated with the initiative since its early planning stages, is serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the expedition. The crew consists of four officers and thirteen sailors from the Indian Navy.
