The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya reached Muscat, the capital of Oman, after successfully completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar, marking a historic milestone in the ancient maritime relationship between India and Oman. The arrival of the traditionally built vessel underscores the shared seafaring heritage of the two nations that dates back over 5,000 years.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, formally received the vessel and its crew at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, highlighting the symbolic and strategic importance of the voyage. The expedition also holds special significance as India and Oman commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
A Voyage Celebrating Ancient Civilizational Ties
The journey of INSV Kaundinya stands as a powerful reminder of the oceans serving as connective corridors between India and Oman for millennia. Through maritime trade, cultural exchange and people-to-people contact, the two regions have remained closely linked since ancient times.
The voyage reaffirms the deep-rooted cultural, commercial and civilizational bonds that predate modern nation-states and reflects the historical role of Indian sailors and merchants in the Indian Ocean region.
Sonowal: Kaundinya Symbolizes Enduring India–Oman Friendship
Addressing the gathering at the welcome ceremony, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described the occasion as more than a maritime achievement.
“This event is not only a celebration of a voyage, but of a deep-rooted civilizational bond. The arrival of this stitched ship in Muscat is symbolic of the enduring India–Oman friendship that has stood the test of time and that is anchored in history, enriched by trade, and strengthened by mutual respect,” he said.
The minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for reviving India’s ancient shipbuilding traditions and showcasing them on the global stage. He noted that INSV Kaundinya reflects India’s historical maritime excellence and indigenous technological prowess.
INSV Kaundinya: A Living Testament to Ancient Indian Shipbuilding
Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel exemplifies India’s traditional maritime knowledge and sustainable shipbuilding practices. The project was conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and executed by the Indian Navy, with contributions from naval architects, archaeologists, traditional shipbuilding designers and master shipwrights.
Inspired by a fifth-century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings, INSV Kaundinya was constructed using ancient techniques such as stitched-plank construction, without the use of modern nails or metal fastenings. The ship stands as a rare recreation of early Indian ocean-going vessels and demonstrates environmentally sustainable craftsmanship.
Grand Welcome at Port Sultan Qaboos
The official welcome ceremony at Port Sultan Qaboos witnessed the presence of His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism at Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, and other government departments.
Members of the Indian diaspora in Oman, including students and professionals, gathered in large numbers to welcome the ship. The ceremony was further enriched by traditional Indian and Omani cultural performances, reflecting the shared cultural heritage and strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Bilateral Talks on Expanding Maritime Cooperation
During his visit, Sarbananda Sonowal held bilateral discussions with H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The talks focused on strengthening maritime cooperation and exploring new areas of collaboration between India and Oman.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of enhanced connectivity, sustainable shipping solutions and closer engagement across ports, logistics and seafaring sectors.
India Invites Omani Investment in Major Port Projects
Highlighting India’s rapid growth in the maritime sector, Sonowal outlined significant opportunities for Omani companies to participate in India’s port-led development initiatives under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Key projects presented included:
- Vadhavan Port Project, Maharashtra: Estimated investment of $9 billion, with a planned capacity of 23 million TEUs
- Tuticorin Outer Harbour Project, Tamil Nadu: Valued at $1.3 billion, with a capacity of 4 million TEUs
The minister emphasized that these mega projects offer attractive long-term investment opportunities and strengthen India’s position as a global maritime hub.
$8.4 Billion Maritime Development Push and Green Shipping Corridor Proposal
Sonowal also detailed India’s $8.4 billion maritime development package, aimed at revitalizing the shipbuilding ecosystem. The initiative includes:
- Creation of shipbuilding clusters
- Shipbuilding-led industrialization
- Dedicated research and development support
- Establishment of a Maritime Development Fund
As a forward-looking initiative, Sonowal proposed the creation of a Green Shipping Corridor between India and Oman, focusing on sustainable shipping practices, cleaner fuels and environmentally responsible maritime operations.
MoU on Maritime Heritage Strengthens Cultural Cooperation
The minister welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on maritime heritage and museums between India and Oman. He noted that the agreement would further deepen cooperation, promote shared historical narratives and preserve the rich maritime legacy common to both nations.
Strengthening Future Maritime Partnership
India and Oman continue to reinforce their maritime partnership through growing collaboration in ports, shipping, shipbuilding and heritage conservation. The arrival of INSV Kaundinya in Muscat serves as both a tribute to the past and a bridge to a future defined by sustainable growth, strategic cooperation and cultural exchange.
