The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar, marking a landmark moment in the shared maritime heritage of India and Oman.
The traditionally built stitched sail vessel, along with its crew, was received by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal. The arrival underscores the deep-rooted civilizational, cultural and maritime links between the two nations, which span over 5,000 years. The voyage also holds special significance as India and Oman mark 70 years of diplomatic relations.
Speaking at the reception, Sonowal said the arrival of INSV Kaundinya was a celebration of enduring civilizational bonds. “This is not just a voyage, but a reaffirmation of the India–Oman friendship, anchored in history, enriched by trade and strengthened by mutual respect. The vessel reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to revive India’s ancient shipbuilding legacy and showcase it to the world,” he said.
Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel showcases India’s indigenous maritime knowledge, craftsmanship and sustainable shipbuilding practices. Envisioned by Prime Minister Modi and executed by the Indian Navy, the project involved naval architects, archaeologists, traditional designers and master shipwrights. Inspired by a fifth-century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings, INSV Kaundinya was constructed using ancient stitched-plank techniques without modern nails or metal fastenings.
The welcome ceremony was attended by H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard and other ministries. Members of the Indian diaspora turned out in large numbers, while traditional Indian and Omani cultural performances added to the celebrations.
During his visit, Sonowal also held bilateral talks with H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. Discussions focused on expanding maritime cooperation between the two countries.
Highlighting investment opportunities, Sonowal invited Omani companies to participate in India’s rapidly expanding port and maritime sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. He pointed to major initiatives such as the $9 billion Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra, with a planned capacity of 23 million TEUs, and the $1.3 billion Tuticorin Outer Harbour Project in Tamil Nadu, designed to handle 4 million TEUs.
The minister also outlined India’s $8.4 billion maritime development package aimed at strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem through clusters, R&D support, shipbuilding-led industrialisation and a proposed Maritime Development Fund. He further proposed the creation of a Green Shipping Corridor between India and Oman as a future area of collaboration.
Sonowal welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between India and Oman on maritime heritage and museums, saying it would deepen cooperation and further enrich the countries’ shared maritime history.
India and Oman continue to strengthen their maritime partnership through enhanced connectivity, sustainable shipping initiatives and growing collaboration across ports, shipbuilding and seafaring sectors.
