The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Kaundinya will be ceremonially flagged into Mumbai Harbour on 2 March 2026 by Sanjay Seth, marking the successful completion of her maiden overseas voyage to the Sultanate of Oman.
The flag-in ceremony commemorates the vessel’s historic return passage across the Arabian Sea, reaffirming India’s enduring maritime heritage and the deep-rooted India–Oman linkages across the Indian Ocean region.
INSV Kaundinya is a traditionally constructed stitched ship, built entirely using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques in which wooden planks are hand-stitched together using coir rope and sealed with natural resins. Conceptualised from a 5th century CE depiction in the Ajanta Caves and constructed under the supervision of the Indian Navy in collaboration with traditional artisans, the vessel represents a revival of centuries-old maritime craftsmanship blended with modern naval engineering validation.
The vessel sailed from Porbandar on 29 December 2025 for Muscat, retracing ancient sea routes once used by Indian mariners. She arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos on 14 January 2026, where she received a ceremonial welcome in the presence of Omani dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora. During her stay, the vessel was opened to visitors, symbolising India’s maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy.
Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, the ship embodies India’s ancient tradition of oceanic navigation and outreach across the Indian Ocean. The expedition underscored the Indian Navy’s role not only as a maritime security provider but also as a custodian of the nation’s civilisational maritime legacy.
The flag-in at Mumbai will mark the culmination of a landmark maritime heritage revival initiative and reinforce India’s commitment to maritime outreach, cultural diplomacy and the preservation of traditional nautical craftsmanship.
