The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya will be ceremonially flagged into Mumbai Harbour on March 2, 2026 by Sanjay Seth, Raksha Rajya Mantri, marking the successful completion of the vessel’s maiden overseas voyage to the Sultanate of Oman and her return passage across the Arabian Sea.
The flag in ceremony signifies the culmination of a landmark maritime heritage initiative that retraced ancient sea routes once navigated by Indian mariners, reinforcing India Oman linkages rooted in centuries of trade and shared seafaring traditions across the Indian Ocean.
INSV Kaundinya is a traditionally constructed stitched ship built entirely using ancient Indian techniques in which wooden planks are hand stitched together using coir rope and sealed with natural resins. The vessel represents a revival of India’s centuries old maritime craftsmanship and reflects the country’s commitment to rediscovering and preserving Indic knowledge systems.
The design of the vessel was conceptualised from a fifth century depiction found in the Ajanta Caves. Constructed under the supervision of the Indian Navy in collaboration with traditional artisans, the ship combines time tested craftsmanship with modern naval engineering validation to ensure seaworthiness and safety.
The vessel sailed from Porbandar on December 29, 2025 for Muscat, tracing historic maritime routes that once facilitated trade in spices, textiles and frankincense between India and the Arabian Peninsula. She reached Port Sultan Qaboos on January 14, 2026, where she received a ceremonial welcome in the presence of Omani dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora.
During her stay in Muscat, the vessel was opened to visitors, serving as a floating symbol of maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy. The voyage strengthened bilateral ties and highlighted the deep historical connections between India and Oman shaped by maritime commerce and cultural exchange over millennia.
Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, the vessel symbolises India’s ancient tradition of oceanic navigation and outreach across the Indian Ocean region. The expedition underscored the Indian Navy’s role not only as a maritime security provider but also as a custodian of India’s civilisational maritime legacy.
The successful completion of the voyage demonstrates the resilience of traditional maritime construction practices and the professionalism of the crew that navigated the Arabian Sea using a vessel built on classical design principles.
The flag in at Mumbai Harbour will formally conclude this historic expedition and reaffirm India’s continuing commitment to maritime outreach, cultural diplomacy and preservation of traditional nautical craftsmanship.
