Muscat: The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat today after successfully completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar, marking a historic milestone in the enduring maritime relationship between India and Oman. The vessel and its crew were formally welcomed by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal.
The voyage of the traditionally constructed stitched sail vessel underscores the deep-rooted maritime, cultural, and civilizational ties between the two nations that date back over 5,000 years. The expedition holds special significance as India and Oman celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, reaffirming the role of oceans as bridges of commerce, culture, and collaboration.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said, “This event is not merely a celebration of a voyage but a testament to a profound civilizational bond. The arrival of this stitched ship in Muscat symbolizes the enduring India–Oman friendship—one that is anchored in history, enriched by trade, and strengthened by mutual respect. INSV Kaundinya exemplifies Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and his commitment to reviving India’s ancient shipbuilding heritage and showcasing it to the world.”
Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel reflects India’s indigenous maritime knowledge, craftsmanship, and sustainable shipbuilding traditions. The project was conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and executed by the Indian Navy in collaboration with naval architects, archaeologists, traditional shipbuilding designers, and master shipwrights. Inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings, Kaundinya was built using ancient stitched-plank construction techniques without modern nails or metal fastenings.
The official welcome ceremony at Port Sultan Qaboos was attended by His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, and other Omani ministries. Members of the Indian diaspora, including students and community leaders, participated enthusiastically in the celebrations, which featured traditional Indian and Omani cultural performances.
During his visit, Minister Sonowal held bilateral discussions with H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, focusing on expanding maritime cooperation.
Sonowal highlighted investment opportunities for Omani companies in India’s rapidly growing port and maritime sector under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He showcased flagship projects such as the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, with an estimated investment of USD 9 billion and a planned capacity of 23 million TEUs, and the Tuticorin Outer Harbour Project in Tamil Nadu, valued at USD 1.3 billion with a capacity of 4 million TEUs.
He also outlined India’s USD 8.4 billion maritime development initiative aimed at strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem through the creation of shipbuilding clusters, industrialization, dedicated R&D support, and the establishment of a Maritime Development Fund. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of an India–Oman Green Shipping Corridor as a key area for future collaboration.
The minister welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Oman on maritime heritage and museums, describing it as a significant step toward deepening cultural and historical cooperation. India and Oman remain committed to enhancing maritime connectivity, promoting sustainable shipping, and strengthening collaboration across ports, shipbuilding, and seafaring sectors.