Archive · 30 Dec 2025
INSV Kaundinya Begins Historic Maiden Voyage
The Indian Navy's new ship, INSV Kaundinya, started its first big trip from India to Oman.
This ship is special because it was built using very old methods, like how people made ships a long time ago.
The ship is 65 feet long and has cool designs on it, like a two-headed eagle and a sun.
It's made with natural materials like coir ropes and doesn't use any metal nails.
The ship is named after a famous sailor from long ago.
Before this trip, the ship traveled from another place in India to Porbandar to get ready.
The trip to Oman will take about 15 days, and it's a way for India and Oman to show their friendship and love for old sailing traditions.
INSV Kaundinya, a 65-feet-long traditionally built sailing vessel, began its maiden voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman on 29 December 2025.
The ship was built using the ancient stitched-plank technique with coir ropes and natural resins, inspired by a 5th-century CE merchant ship depicted in Ajanta Caves murals.
Named after Kaundinya I, a legendary first-century Indian mariner, the vessel features intricate hull motifs like the Gandabherunda and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
The project was a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Goa-based shipbuilding company Hodi Innovations, with technical assistance from IIT Madras.
The voyage aims to revive ancient maritime heritage, showcase traditional shipbuilding techniques, and strengthen bilateral relations between India and Oman.
- Who
- Indian Navy, crew of 18 sailors, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Issa Saleh Al Shibani (Oman's Ambassador to India), PM Narendra Modi
- What
- Maiden voyage of INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally built sailing vessel
- When
- Departed Porbandar on 29 December 2025, expected to reach Oman in 15 days
- Where
- From Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, retracing ancient maritime routes
- Why
- To revive ancient maritime heritage, showcase traditional shipbuilding techniques, and strengthen India-Oman ties
- Length
- 65 feet
- Crew
- 18 sailors
- Distance to Oman
- 1,400 kilometers
- Estimated Voyage Duration
- 15 days
- Construction Method
- Stitched-plank technique using coir ropes and natural resins
- Inspiration
- 5th-century CE merchant ship depicted in Ajanta Caves murals
- Naming
- After Kaundinya I, a legendary first-century Indian mariner
- Key Milestones
- Keel laid September 2023, launched February 2025, inducted May 2025, maiden voyage December 2025