On December 29, 2025, the maiden overseas voyage of the INSV Kaundinya, a vessel of the Indian Navy, set off and made a successful journey starting at Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, and witnessed a successful revival of the old Indian sea-going tradition of the past. This hand-stitched sailing boat is constructed using the same methods of the fifth century on a sail with no metal nails or engines and it follows the same routes of trade that were used thousands of years ago between India and the Arab world which led to trade in spices and textiles and culture exchange. The 65-foot ship was inaugurated by VAdm Krishna Swaminathan with cheers and anthem Jai Ho as a symbol of the long-term sea success of India.
Vessel Engineer Design and Construction.
INSV Kaundinya is based on the Ajanta Caves murals of ancient merchant ships, using the old-fashioned techniques of stitched-plank, using natural fibers and coir ropes. The project was commissioned at Karwar Naval Base on May 21, 2025, and was based on an Indian Navy tripartite MoU with the Ministry of Culture and Goa-based Hodi Innovations in 2023. Artisans headed by master shipwright Babu Sankaran made it and spent time in historical research and modern naval certification to ensure that it was seaworthy.
The ship was named after the mythical first -century mariner Kaundinya who sailed to Southeast Asia and established Funan kingdom, and was also a tribute to India as an oceanic bridge.
Voyage Details and Crew
The crew of four officers and 13 sailors led by Commander Vikas Sheoran and headed by Commander Y Hemant Kumar will travel 1,400 km in 8-15 days. The non-combat ship leaves after the training in rigging and carpentry in a harbor and is fully powered by sailing, which highlights the importance of the indigenous seamanship. The flag-off was attended by Oman Ambassador Issa Saleh Al Shibani, who emphasized on bilateral relations- Oman adopted rupee until the year 1970.
Implication to the India-Oman Relations.
This voyage ship of people-to-people unites people with the ocean, reminiscent of trade routes of the third millennium BC. It advances the maritime relations, heritage conservation, and regional integration in the Indian Ocean, making India a culturally-based naval superiority.
Greater Maritime Heritage Impact.
Other than adventure, INSV Kaundinya teaches about the lost shipbuilding skills, motivating the youth and the rest of the world through the Navy channels. The expedition solidifies the Indian outlook on maritime civilization and making way to further voyages as it sails over the Arabian Sea.
