New Delhi: The traditionally built stitched sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya reached the shores of Muscat on Wednesday, completing a 17 day maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat. The successful expedition symbolised the revival of ancient maritime connections that once linked India and Oman through trade, culture and seafaring exchanges across the Indian Ocean.
The vessel was welcomed at Port Sultan Qaboos with a ceremonial reception attended by senior Indian and Omani officials, members of the Indian community and naval representatives. The crew, comprising four officers and 13 naval sailors led by Commander Vikas Sheoran, received a warm reception for completing the challenging transoceanic journey.
Measuring 65 feet in length, INSV Kaundinya has been constructed using centuries old stitched shipbuilding techniques that rely entirely on natural materials. The ship is a recreation of a fifth century vessel inspired by artwork found in the Ajanta Caves. Built without the use of nails, the structure has been stitched together by skilled traditional artisans, demonstrating the durability and sophistication of ancient Indian maritime engineering.
Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, believed to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, the vessel reflects India’s long standing identity as a seafaring civilisation. The voyage retraced historic sea routes that once facilitated sustained interaction between the western coast of India and the Arabian Peninsula.
The expedition covered a distance of approximately 650 nautical miles and tested both the crew and the vessel against the demands of open ocean sailing. Naval officers involved in the project described the journey as adventurous and technically demanding, noting that transforming a centuries old artistic depiction into a fully functional sailing ship was a unique challenge.
The project to revive stitched shipbuilding was initiated through a collaboration involving cultural and naval institutions, aiming to preserve a nearly extinct maritime tradition. From the start of construction in 2023 to its induction into the Indian Navy in 2025, the initiative has highlighted India’s rich nautical heritage.
The arrival of INSV Kaundinya in Muscat was marked by traditional Indian and Omani cultural performances, underscoring the enduring civilisational ties between the two nations. The voyage also carried contemporary significance, reinforcing maritime cooperation and shared heritage as India and Oman continue to deepen their partnership in connectivity, security and the blue economy.
