India took a historic step in reviving its ancient seafaring legacy in December 2025. The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya embarked on her maiden overseas voyage from Gujarat to Oman. The voyage symbolises India’s deep-rooted maritime civilisation, cultural diplomacy, and naval heritage.
What Is the News About?
- The Indian Navy flagged off INSV Kaundinya from Porbandar to Muscat on December 29, 2025.
- This marks the first overseas voyage of the vessel and retraces ancient maritime trade routes between India and Oman.
About INSV Kaundinya
- INSV Kaundinya is an indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel.
- It has been constructed using ancient shipbuilding techniques, without nails or modern welding.
Key features include,
- Built with stitched planks using natural fibres
- Uses traditional materials and methods
- Inspired by historical texts and iconographic evidence
- Reflects India’s legacy of indigenous shipbuilding and ocean navigation
- The vessel is a living replica of ancient Indian ocean-going ships.
Flag-Off Ceremony
- The voyage was formally flagged off by Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
- The ceremony was attended by Issa Saleh Al Shibani, senior Indian Navy officers, and distinguished guests.
Historic India–Oman Maritime Connection
The voyage retraces routes that once connected India’s western coast with Oman.
For centuries, these routes enabled,
- Maritime trade
- Cultural exchange
- Civilisational interaction across the Indian Ocean
The expedition highlights the historic Gujarat–Oman connection, which played a key role in ancient Indian Ocean trade networks.
Crew and Leadership
The expedition is commanded by,
- Commander Vikas Sheoran – Skipper of the vessel
- Commander Y. Hemant Kumar – Officer-in-Charge (associated since conceptualization)
- The crew consists of 4 officers and 13 naval sailors, trained to operate traditional sailing methods.
Significance of the Voyage
The voyage is significant on multiple fronts.
- Maritime Heritage Revival: It helps revive and understand India’s ancient seafaring traditions through a real ocean journey.
- Maritime Diplomacy: The expedition strengthens India–Oman bilateral relations through shared heritage and people-to-people ties.
- Indian Ocean Outlook: It reflects India’s role as a responsible and culturally rooted maritime nation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Static Background: Stitched Shipbuilding Tradition
- Stitched shipbuilding is an ancient technique used in the Indian Ocean region.
- Planks were sewn together using coir, cotton ropes or natural fibres.
- Such ships were flexible, resilient, and ideal for long sea voyages.
- India was historically a major maritime civilization, with ports along Gujarat, Konkan, Malabar, and Coromandel coasts.
Key Takeaways
- INSV Kaundinya sailed from Porbandar to Muscat
- Voyage began on December 29, 2025
- Built using traditional stitched shipbuilding techniques
- Revives India Oman maritime heritage
- Strengthens maritime diplomacy and cultural ties
Question
Q. INSV Kaundinya is significant because it is:
A. India’s largest naval warship
B. A nuclear-powered submarine
C. A traditional stitched sailing vessel
D. A commercial cargo ship
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