Indigenous sailing vessel completes historic Porbandar to Muscat journey
Making a significant mark in the revival of ancient maritime traditions, the Indian Navy's unique sailing vessel has successfully completed a challenging international voyage.
INSV Kaundinya, an indigenously built stitched ship, reached Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday. This arrival marks the conclusion of an 18-day historic journey that began from Porbandar, Gujarat, on December 29, 2025. The expedition serves as a powerful testament to India's shipbuilding heritage and modern naval capability.
Naval Officials Hail "Historic Moment"
Commodore Amit Srivastava, speaking from Oman, termed the journey a monumental success. He highlighted the resilience of the Indian Navy crew, emphasizing their ability to handle the rigors of the open sea on a traditional vessel.
"Indian Navy trained crew can face any challenges," Commodore Srivastava stated. He noted that the ship was a collaborative triumph involving naval architects, DRDO, and skilled artisans. Following necessary maintenance and technical checks, the vessel is scheduled to commence its return leg to India soon.
Reviving 5th-Century Craftsmanship
The INSV Kaundinya is not an ordinary modern yacht. It is a recreation of a 5th-century CE ship found depicted in the Ajanta Caves paintings. The construction process was a marvel of traditional engineering, devoid of modern blueprints.
Under the guidance of master shipwright Babu Sankaran, artisans from Kerala painstakingly utilized the "stitched" method. Instead of nails or welding, the wooden planks of the hull were bound together using coir rope, coconut fiber, and natural resin. This project, initiated in July 2023, was a joint effort between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations.
Warm Reception in Oman
The arrival in Muscat sparked celebrations among the Indian diaspora. Prominent businessmen Kiran Ashar and Anil Khimji were at the port to welcome the crew. "Seena 56 ka ho gaya hai (Chests have swelled with pride)," Ashar remarked, expressing the emotional connection the community felt witnessing the Indian flag on such a unique vessel.
Crew and Cultural Symbols
Skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, the vessel carried a crew of four officers and thirteen sailors. Notably, Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, was part of the expedition and provided daily updates.
The ship itself is a floating museum of culture. It features motifs of the Gandabherunda and the Sun on its sails, a Simha Yali on the bow, and a Harappan-style stone anchor. Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who historically sailed to Southeast Asia, the INSV Kaundinya stands as a symbol of India's enduring maritime legacy.
Image Source:ANI
