INSV Kaundinya Maiden Voyage to Oman

Historic Naval Milestone

INSV Kaundinya Maiden Voyage to Oman: INSV Kaundinya marked a major milestone in India’s maritime history by commencing its maiden overseas voyage in December 2025. The vessel sailed from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman, reviving ancient sea routes once used for trade and cultural exchange. The voyage symbolises India’s effort to reconnect with its long-standing seafaring traditions.

This expedition highlights India’s civilisational linkages across the Indian Ocean Region. It also showcases the Indian Navy’s role beyond security, extending into heritage revival and cultural outreach.

About INSV Kaundinya

INSV Kaundinya is an indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel. It has been constructed using ancient shipbuilding techniques without the use of nails or modern welding. The ship is designed as a faithful recreation of historical Indian ocean-going vessels.

The vessel uses stitched wooden planks bound with natural fibres, reflecting early maritime engineering. Its design is based on historical texts, archaeological findings, and iconographic sources.

Static GK fact: Ancient Indian shipbuilding traditions were documented in texts such as the Yuktikalpataru, which described hull construction and navigation methods.

Flag-Off Ceremony

The voyage was formally flagged off on December 29, 2025. The ceremony was conducted under the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy. Senior naval officials and distinguished guests were present to mark the occasion.

The event underscored the Navy’s commitment to preserving India’s maritime heritage. It also reinforced the symbolic importance of Porbandar as a historic port on India’s western coast.

India–Oman Maritime Legacy

The voyage retraces historic sea routes that connected India’s western coastline with Oman for centuries. These routes enabled sustained maritime trade, cultural exchange, and civilisational interaction across the Arabian Sea.

Gujarat ports played a key role in ancient Indian Ocean trade networks. Goods, ideas, and people moved freely between the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula.

Static GK Tip: Oman was historically known as Magan in Mesopotamian records and had strong maritime links with the Indian subcontinent.

Crew and Command

The expedition is led by Commander Vikas Sheoran, serving as the skipper of the vessel. Commander Y. Hemant Kumar, associated with the project since its conceptual stage, is the Officer-in-Charge.

The crew comprises 4 naval officers and 13 sailors. All crew members were trained in traditional sailing techniques, including manual navigation and wind-based manoeuvring.

Strategic and Cultural Significance

The voyage carries multi-dimensional significance. It revives India’s ancient maritime heritage through an actual ocean expedition rather than symbolic representation. This practical approach provides insights into historical navigation and ship endurance.

From a diplomatic perspective, the expedition strengthens India–Oman relations through shared maritime history. It also supports India’s image as a culturally rooted maritime nation in the Indian Ocean.

Static GK fact: India has historically maintained major ports along the Gujarat, Konkan, Malabar, and Coromandel coasts, supporting long-distance sea trade.

Broader Maritime Outlook

INSV Kaundinya reflects India’s evolving maritime outlook that integrates history with contemporary diplomacy. The voyage reinforces India’s commitment to cultural diplomacy while projecting soft power through heritage-based initiatives.

It also aligns with India’s broader vision of engagement in the Indian Ocean Region as a responsible maritime civilisation.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

INSV Kaundinya Maiden Voyage to Oman: