INSV Kaundinya: The Indian Navy has started a special sea journey that connects the past with the present. The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Kaundinya began its first long ocean voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman on Monday. This ship is not an ordinary Navy vessel. It is inspired by ships from the 5th century and built using very old Indian stitching methods instead of modern welding.
The flag-off ceremony took place at the Coast Guard Jetty in Porbandar. Many important guests attended the event. Oman’s Ambassador Issa Saleh Abdullah Saleh Al Shibani was present. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who leads the Western Naval Command, also joined the ceremony.
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Ship like Ancient times
INSV Kaundinya officially joined the Indian Navy on May 21, 2025. Its design comes from a 5th-century painting found in the Ajanta Caves. Skilled artisans from Kerala built the ship using traditional stitching techniques. They tied wooden planks together with coir rope, coconut fiber and natural resin, just like people did hundreds of years ago.
The ship carries strong symbols from Indian history. Its sails show the powerful Gandabherunda and a bright Sun design. A carved Simha Yali protects the front of the ship. A Harappan-style stone anchor sits on the deck.
The ship is based in Karwar and is named after Kaundinya, a famous ancient mariner who sailed from India to Southeast Asia across the Indian Ocean. The vessel has very few modern comforts. It only carries basic communication and safety equipment.
Old Trade Routes with Modern Touch
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal, who is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, joined the 16-member crew for this journey. The voyage will last 15 days and cover around 1,400 kilometers. The ship will retrace old sea routes that once linked India with the Gulf region and other lands.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised this journey and the ship’s unique design. He shared his thoughts on social media and wrote, “Wonderful to see that INSV Kaundinya is embarking on her maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman. Built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, this ship highlights India’s rich maritime traditions. I congratulate the designers, artisans, shipbuilders and the Indian Navy for their dedicated efforts in bringing this unique vessel to life.”
