The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Kaundinya arrived in Muscat after successfully completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar, marking a significant moment in the shared maritime heritage of India and Oman. The ship along with the crew were received by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal at Port Sultan Qaboos.
The voyage of the traditionally built stitched sail vessel highlights the deep-rooted maritime, cultural and civilizational ties between the two nations that span more than 5,000 years. It also underscores the role of oceans as connective corridors that have enabled sustained interaction between India and Oman over centuries. The expedition holds added significance as both countries commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “This event is not only a celebration of a voyage, but of a deep-rooted civilizational bond. The arrival of this stitched ship in Muscat is symbolic of the enduring India-Oman friendship that has stood the test of time and that is anchored in history, enriched by trade, and strengthened by mutual respect. INSV Kaundinya is a shining example of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s visionary leadership. It was his resolve to revive India’s ancient shipbuilding genius and present it proudly before the world.”
Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel showcases India’s indigenous maritime knowledge, craftsmanship and sustainable shipbuilding practices. The project was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and executed by the Indian Navy with the support of naval architects, archaeologists, traditional shipbuilding designers and master shipwrights. Inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings, INSV Kaundinya was constructed using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, including stitched-plank construction without modern nails or metal fastenings.
At the welcome ceremony organized at the port, His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary, Tourism, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, along with senior dignitaries from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard and other ministries were present. A large Indian community from all walks of life, including students, enthusiastically welcomed the ship. Traditional Indian and Omani cultural performances were held during the official welcome ceremony.
During his visit, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, where both leaders discussed expanding maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted significant opportunities for Omani companies to participate in India’s rapidly expanding port and maritime sector. He said India’s flagship port-led infrastructure projects offer attractive avenues for investment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. These include the Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra, with an estimated investment of $9 billion and a planned capacity of 23 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), and the Tuticorin Outer Harbour Project in Tamil Nadu, valued at $1.3 billion with a capacity of 4 million TEUs.
Sonowal also outlined India’s $8.4 billion maritime development package aimed at strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem. The initiative focuses on the creation of shipbuilding clusters, shipbuilding-led industrialization, dedicated research and development support, and the establishment of a Maritime Development Fund. He also proposed the establishment of a Green Shipping Corridor between India and Oman as a key area of future collaboration.
The minister further welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between India and Oman on maritime heritage and museums, noting that it would deepen cooperation and further enrich the two countries’ shared maritime history.
India and Oman continue to strengthen maritime ties through enhanced connectivity, sustainable shipping initiatives and growing collaboration across ports, shipbuilding and seafaring sectors.
