The Indian Navy’s INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally constructed sailing vessel inspired by 5th-century Indian maritime history, has successfully completed its historic 18-day voyage to Muscat, Oman, arriving on 14 January 2026 after setting sail from Porbandar, Gujarat in late December.
Built using ancient stitched-shipbuilding techniques, where wooden planks are tied with coir rope and natural resins without metal nails, INSV Kaundinya embodies India’s centuries-old maritime craftsmanship and naval tradition. The design draws inspiration from historical depictions found in Ajanta cave paintings, blending traditional methods with symbolic cultural motifs that evoke the country’s seafaring past.
The vessel’s maiden overseas voyage retraced ancient trading routes across the Arabian Sea that once connected the Indian subcontinent to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond, highlighting shared maritime heritage with Oman and reinforcing longstanding civilisational links.
Crews aboard Kaundinya were supported by modern satellite connectivity provided by Eutelsat OneWeb, enabling real-time communication and navigation data even in remote ocean stretches, a symbolic fusion of ancient tradition and contemporary technology.
Officials and defence observers say the completion of this mission not only celebrates India’s rich nautical legacy but also strengthens maritime diplomacy and cultural ties with partner nations, underscoring the nation’s evolving role on the global seas.
