INSV Kaundinya sets sail on historic Porbandar-Muscat expedition

Porbandar | Gujarat — In a breathtaking fusion of ancient craftsmanship and modern naval diplomacy, the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya—India’s first indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel—embarked on its maiden overseas voyage on December 29, 2025. Departing from the historic port of Porbandar, Gujarat, the vessel is bound for Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, marking a monumental effort to revive India’s thousand-year-old maritime soul.

A Grand Send-Off
The expedition was formally flagged off by VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The ceremony was graced by His Excellency Issa Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India, signaling the deep diplomatic weight carried by this wooden hull.

“This historic expedition marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to revive, understand, and celebrate its ancient maritime heritage through a living ocean voyage,” the Indian Navy stated, emphasizing the project’s role in reconnecting with the “Mandala” of the Indian Ocean.

Craftsmanship Without Nails
Unlike modern ships held together by steel and welding, INSV Kaundinya is a marvel of traditional stitched shipbuilding. Constructed using natural materials and techniques that date back several centuries, the vessel was inspired by ancient iconographic evidence. This method involves stitching wooden planks together with ropes and sealing them with natural resins—a technique that once made Indian vessels the envy of the high seas.

By retracing the trade routes that once linked the western coast of India with the Arabian Peninsula, the voyage serves as a scientific and cultural study of how ancient sailors navigated the monsoons to facilitate trade and civilisational exchange.

Strengthening the ‘Sagar’ Bond
The voyage is more than a nautical feat; it is a powerful tool of maritime diplomacy. The arrival of INSV Kaundinya in Muscat is expected to:

Enhance Bilateral Ties: Reinforce the shared maritime history between India and Oman.

Cultural Exchange: Strengthen people-to-people ties through shared heritage.

Regional Cooperation: Underscore India’s role as a culturally rooted and responsible maritime nation in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Crew Leading the Charge
The vessel is skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, with Commander Y. Hemant Kumar—who has been pivotal to the project since its inception—serving as the Officer-in-Charge. The crew, consisting of four officers and thirteen naval sailors, will rely on their expertise to guide this traditional vessel across the open ocean, bridging the gap between India’s glorious past and its strategic future.