Ancient-Style Indian Ship Sets Sail for Muscat in Historic Journey
Historic Maritime Heritage Revival as INSV Kaundinya Sails from India to Oman
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Kaundinya, an indigenously built ancient-style stitched ship, has embarked on a historic maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat, India, to Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, marking a significant celebration of India’s maritime traditions.
Unlike modern vessels, INSV Kaundinya has no engine or metal nails, relying entirely on wind and sails with its wooden planks stitched together using traditional coir rope and natural resin seals, a technique that revives shipbuilding methods dating back more than 1,500 years.
The journey, expected to take around 15 days depending on weather conditions, retraces the ancient maritime routes that once connected India’s western coast with Oman, facilitating trade, cultural exchange and sustained civilisation links across the Indian Ocean.
The expedition was officially flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Western Naval Command, in the presence of Issa Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India, alongside senior Indian Navy leaders and distinguished guests.
INSV Kaundinya’s design draws inspiration from historical sources and iconographic evidence, reflecting India’s rich legacy of shipbuilding, seamanship and oceanic navigation long before the advent of modern naval technology.
The voyage underscores the deep historical ties between India and Oman, with the ship’s arrival in Muscat expected to symbolize enduring friendship, mutual respect and strengthened cultural and people-to-people relations between the two maritime nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the mission, highlighting the ship as a testament to India’s rich maritime heritage and congratulating the designers, artisans and naval personnel involved for bringing the ancient stitched-ship technique back to life.
The crew aboard includes four officers and thirteen sailors, all part of this momentous expedition that celebrates both living history and long-standing maritime diplomacy across the Indian Ocean.