INSV Kaundinya’s Arrival in Muscat Revives 5,000-Year-Old India-Oman Maritime Relationship
Muscat: The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya has reached Muscat, Oman, marking the successful completion of its maiden voyage from Porbandar, India. This event signifies a renewed focus on the enduring maritime heritage shared by India and Oman, a relationship that spans over five millennia. The vessel and its crew were formally received by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, at Port Sultan Qaboos.
The voyage of INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally built stitched sail vessel, underscores the profound maritime, cultural, and civilizational connections between the two nations. These connections have facilitated sustained interaction over centuries, highlighting the role of oceans as crucial connective corridors. The expedition’s importance is further amplified as both India and Oman commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
During the welcome ceremony, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated, “This event is not merely a celebration of a voyage, but a recognition of a deeply rooted civilizational bond. The arrival of this stitched ship in Muscat symbolises the enduring friendship between India and Oman, a friendship that has withstood the test of time, anchored in history, enriched by trade, and strengthened by mutual respect. INSV Kaundinya stands as a testament to the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, whose resolve to revive India’s ancient shipbuilding prowess is now proudly presented before the world.”
INSV Kaundinya, named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, exemplifies India’s indigenous maritime knowledge, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainable shipbuilding practices. The project, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was 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, the INSV Kaundinya was constructed using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, notably employing stitched-plank construction without the use of modern nails or metal fastenings.
The welcome ceremony at Port Sultan Qaboos was attended by His Excellency Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary, Tourism, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, alongside senior dignitaries from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, and various other ministries. A large contingent of the Indian community, including students, enthusiastically welcomed the vessel. The ceremony featured traditional Indian and Omani cultural performances.
In addition to the welcoming ceremony, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal engaged in a bilateral meeting with H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman. Discussions centred on expanding maritime cooperation between the two nations.
Minister Sonowal emphasised the significant opportunities available for Omani companies to participate in India’s rapidly growing port and maritime sector. He highlighted India’s flagship port-led infrastructure projects as attractive investment avenues under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. These include the Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra, with a projected investment of $9 billion and a planned capacity of 23 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), and the Tuticorin Outer Harbour Project in Tamil Nadu, valued at $1.3 billion with a capacity of 4 million TEUs.
Sonowal also outlined India’s $8.4 billion maritime development package, designed to bolster the shipbuilding ecosystem. This initiative focuses on the creation of shipbuilding clusters, shipbuilding-led industrialisation, dedicated research and development support, and the establishment of a Maritime Development Fund. Furthermore, he proposed the establishment of a Green Shipping Corridor between India and Oman as a key area for future collaboration.
The minister also welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between India and Oman on maritime heritage and museums, underscoring its potential to deepen cooperation and further enrich the shared maritime history of both countries.
India and Oman are committed to strengthening their maritime ties through enhanced connectivity, sustainable shipping initiatives, and increasing collaboration across ports, shipbuilding, and seafaring sectors.
