Indian Navy’s Stitched Ship INSV Kaundinya Embarks on Historic Voyage to Muscat
In a landmark tribute to India’s maritime legacy, the Indian Navy’s unique sailing vessel, INSV Kaundinya, set sail from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, on December 29, 2025. This historic journey marks the ship’s first overseas voyage, undertaken to revive ancient seafaring traditions and retrace the centuries-old trade routes across the Indian Ocean.
A Ship Built on Ancient Techniques
The INSV Kaundinya is a remarkable departure from modern naval engineering. It is a traditional “stitched ship” built entirely without an engine or metallic components. The vessel is constructed using the ancient Tankai method, where wooden planks are sewn together with coir (coconut fiber) rope, and the hull is sealed with natural resins. Propelled solely by wind power, its design is inspired by depictions in the Ajanta cave murals and historic texts.
Measuring 19.6 meters in length, the ship is operated by an 18-member crew specially trained in traditional sailing techniques, managing sails and navigating using wind and sea patterns.
Flag-Off and Diplomatic Significance
The voyage was ceremoniously flagged off by Vice-Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, with Oman’s Ambassador Issa Saleh Al Shibani in attendance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes, highlighting the mission as a celebration of India’s maritime heritage and enduring ties with the Gulf region.
The journey retraces a historic maritime corridor that once facilitated the exchange of goods like copper, frankincense, and timber, as well as cultural and civilizational interactions between India and the Arabian Peninsula.
Reviving Heritage and Strengthening Ties
Beyond symbolism, the voyage represents a tangible effort to reconnect India’s maritime traditions with contemporary diplomacy. Upon its anticipated arrival in Muscat after several weeks at sea, the expedition aims to strengthen bilateral cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Oman, underscoring a shared history that spans millennia.
Project Background: A Blend of Tradition and Science
INSV Kaundinya is the product of a collaboration between the Indian Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations, with craftsmen from Kerala. Launched in February 2025 and commissioned in May 2025, its construction combined traditional craftsmanship with scientific validation, including hydrodynamic testing, to ensure seaworthiness.
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A Symbol of Indigenous Maritime Prowess
In an era of high-tech navies, INSV Kaundinya’s wind-powered voyage is a powerful reminder of the indigenous maritime skills that allowed ancient Indian sailors to master the oceans. As it sails towards Oman, the ship embodies a living link to India’s glorious maritime past and a renewed appreciation for the oceanic pathways that have connected civilizations for centuries.
