Porbandar, December 29, 2025: Indian Navy’s indigenous ancient ship Indian Navy’s indigenously built traditional single-hulled ship, Indian Naval Sailing Vessel KoundinyaThe first journey of has started. This ship, built according to ancient Indian tradition, departed on its first foreign voyage today on Monday, 29 December 2025, from Porbandar, Gujarat to Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. This historic expedition is a major milestone in India’s efforts to revive and understand its ancient maritime heritage through sea travel.
Oman’s Ambassador to India Isa Saleh Al Shibani was also present in the grand ceremony organized on this occasion in Porbandar. The ship was formally flagged off by VAdmir Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, in the presence of senior officers of the Indian Navy and distinguished guests.
What is INSV Kaundinya?
INSV Koundinya is built using traditional welded shipbuilding techniques, using natural materials and methods that are centuries old. Inspired by historical sources and available evidence, the ship represents India’s rich heritage of indigenous shipbuilding, maritime expertise and maritime navigation. This journey of Kaundinya will take place on the ancient sea routes which once connected the western coast of India with Oman, and through which trade and cultural exchange took place.
This campaign is expected to significantly enhance bilateral relations between India and Oman. Through this, Sahiyara will not only strengthen the maritime heritage but will also strengthen the culture and relations between people. The arrival of INSV Koundinya in Muscat will be a powerful symbol of the enduring bonds of friendship, mutual trust and respect binding the two maritime nations for centuries. This trip also highlights the deep historical connections between Gujarat and Oman.
Ancient history of INSV Koundinya, watch video
India’s maritime heritage predates the age of steel.
Historical evidence from the Ajanta cave murals (5th century CE) highlights the tradition of stitched ships—vessels constructed without nails, using coir rope, coconut fiber and natural resin 🌊#INSVKaundinya stands today… pic.twitter.com/xHSkDoZG4S
— INSV Kaundinya (@INSVKaundinya) December 27, 2025
The construction and operation of INSV Koundinya underlines the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime sovereignty, heritage protection and regional cooperation. The voyage of INSV Koundinya is a testament to the maritime outlook of Indian citizenship and its role as a responsible nation with cultural roots in the Indian Ocean region.
How was INSV Kaundinya prepared? watch video
#ConstructionJourney#INSVKaundinya ⛵ is built using the ancient stitched‑ship technique📜 natural coir rope and resins uniting the craft, reflecting India’s maritime legacy🌊#MaritimeHeritage #StitchedShip_India@indiannavy@MinOfCultureGoI@sanjeevsanyal@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/XGrItssD0y
— INSV Kaundinya (@INSVKaundinya) December 23, 2025
The ship of this ancient style traditional ship, which set out for the first time, is being led by Commander Vikas Sheoran, while Commander Y. Hemant Kumar will serve as the officer-in-charge of this campaign. The ship’s other crew consists of four officers and thirteen (13) sailors from the Navy.
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