INSV Kaundinya Sets Sail on Historic Voyage to Oman

The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya has embarked on its inaugural transoceanic journey, leaving Porbandar, Gujarat, for Muscat, Oman. This significant event took place on Monday, marking a revival of ancient maritime traditions and trade routes. The flag-off ceremony was attended by Oman’s Ambassador to India, Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Al Shibani, and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

Reviving Ancient Maritime Traditions

INSV Kaundinya is a unique vessel inspired by 5th-century ship designs, showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage. Constructed using traditional stitching techniques reminiscent of ancient shipbuilding, the ship honors India’s historical legacy of exploration and commerce. With a crew of 16, including economist and member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, Sanjeev Sanyal, the ship will navigate a distance of approximately 1,400 kilometers over the next 15 days.

Officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on May 21, 2025, INSV Kaundinya is based on a ship painting discovered in the Ajanta Caves. Artisans from Kerala utilized time-honored methods to create the vessel, which features striking motifs, including the fierce Gandabherunda and a blazing Sun on its sails. A sculpted Simha Yali adorns the bow, while a Harappan-style stone anchor enhances the ship’s ancient aesthetic.

A Symbol of Maritime Connectivity

The vessel’s hull is constructed from stitched wooden planks bound together with coir rope, coconut fiber, and natural resin, echoing the craftsmanship of ancient Indian shipmakers. This initiative arises from a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 among the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, with funding provided by the Ministry of Culture.

INSV Kaundinya is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who historically traversed the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. The ship’s design emphasizes minimal modern amenities, integrating only essential communication and safety equipment. This approach reflects the austere lifestyle of historical traders, underscoring the vessel’s connection to India’s maritime past.

As INSV Kaundinya retraces the ancient Indian transoceanic trade routes, it serves as a remarkable reminder of the enduring maritime connections that have shaped cultural and commercial exchanges across the Indian Ocean. This voyage not only highlights India’s nautical history but also fosters international ties, particularly between India and Oman.

The journey of INSV Kaundinya stands as a testament to India’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its maritime heritage, paving the way for future explorations and cultural exchanges on the high seas.