Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel embodies India’s maritime knowledge, craftsmanship, and sustainable shipbuilding traditions.
A project initiated four years ago was successfully fulfilled when the traditionally crafted stitched sail ship INSV Kaundinya reached Oman on Wednesday, reinforcing India’s millennia‑old maritime prowess. The vessel completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat, the Omani capital.
Speaking after personally receiving the 17-member crew led by Commander Visas Sheoran at Port Sultan Qaboos, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal stated, “This event is not only a celebration of a voyage, but of a deep‑rooted civilisational bond. The arrival of this stitched ship in Muscat is symbolic of the enduring India‑Oman friendship that has stood the test of time, and that is anchored in history, enriched by trade, and strengthened by mutual respect.”
At the welcome ceremony organised at the port, Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary, Tourism, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, along with senior dignitaries from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard and other ministries were present. Members of the Indian community enthusiastically cheered the ship’s crew.
Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel showcases India’s indigenous maritime knowledge, craftsmanship, and sustainable shipbuilding practices. Project Kaundinya, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commenced in December 2021 through collaboration between Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PM‑EAC), and the Indian Navy.
Maritime Legacy Reimagined
INSV Kaundinya’s design is inspired by a 5th‑century CE vessel depicted in an Ajanta Caves painting. It was constructed using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, including stitched‑plank construction without modern nails or metal fastenings. The team included naval architects, archaeologists, traditional shipbuilding designers, and master shipwrights.
Sanyal frequently refers to India’s rich maritime legacy in his public talks and books, such as The Ocean of Churn. Emphasising the Government’s commitment to revive the country’s glorious shipbuilding tradition, he earlier told INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY, “We not only have a long coastline, but we also have the know‑how. After all, we are building nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. We have the young people required to weld these ships together, and we have our internal demand.”
INSV Kaundinya’s 18‑day voyage reinforces the civilisational ties between India and Oman, spanning more than 5,000 years, and the role of the Indian Ocean as a connective corridor enabling sustained interaction. It also marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
– Manish Pant