Archive · 1 Feb 2026
INSV Kaundinya's Voyage Symbolizes India's Maritime Heritage
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya completed an 18-day journey from Gujarat to Oman.
This voyage is special because it connects India's old maritime traditions with modern times.
The ship was built using old techniques without nails, just like ancient Indian ships.
An economist named Sanjeev Sanyal helped make this project happen.
The ship's journey reminds us of the old trade routes between India and the Arabian Peninsula.
When the ship arrived in Oman, it coincided with a visit by Italy's prime minister, showing how countries are working together in the Indo-Mediterranean region.
This voyage is a symbol of India's rich history and its importance in today's world.
INSV Kaundinya completed an 18-day voyage from Gujarat to Oman, symbolizing India's ancient maritime heritage.
The ship was built using traditional stitched-plank techniques without nails, inspired by ancient Indian ships.
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal championed the initiative to restore visibility to India’s ancient seafaring tradition.
The voyage retraced ancient commercial paths connecting India to the Arabian Peninsula.
The ship's arrival in Muscat coincided with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit, highlighting the strategic importance of the Indo-Mediterranean region.
- Who
- Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, Economist and Historian Sanjeev Sanyal
- What
- INSV Kaundinya's 18-day voyage from Gujarat to Oman, symbolizing India's maritime heritage and engagement with the Indo-Mediterranean and IMEC route
- When
- The voyage took 18 days, with the ship launched in February 2025 and the first international voyage beginning in December of the previous year
- Where
- The voyage started in Gujarat, India, and ended in Muscat, Oman
- Why
- To revive India’s ancient maritime heritage and highlight the cultural and symbolic dimension of India’s engagement with the Indo-Mediterranean and IMEC route
- Ship Name
- INSV Kaundinya
- Voyage Duration
- 18 days
- Departure Point
- Gujarat, India
- Arrival Point
- Muscat, Oman
- Construction Technique
- Traditional stitched-plank techniques
- Launch Year
- 2025
- Induction Base
- Karwar naval base, Karnataka
- Initiative Champion
- Sanjeev Sanyal