INSV Kaundinya arrives in Muscat, reviving 5,000-year-old India-Oman maritime ties

INSV Kaundinya arrives in Muscat, reviving 5,000-year-old India-Oman maritime ties

Mangalore Today News Network

Muscat, Jan 16, 2026: The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Kaundinya arrived in Muscat on Jan 14, completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar and reaffirming the centuries-old maritime relationship between India and Oman. The crew was warmly received at Port Sultan Qaboos by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal.

The voyage of this traditionally built stitched-sail vessel highlights the shared maritime, cultural, and civilizational heritage of India and Oman, which spans over 5,000 years. The expedition also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sonowal said, “This is not just a celebration of a voyage, but of a deep-rooted civilizational bond. The arrival of INSV Kaundinya in Muscat symbolizes the enduring friendship between India and Oman, anchored in history, trade, and mutual respect. The ship exemplifies the revival of India’s ancient shipbuilding heritage under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

Named after the legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel showcases India’s indigenous maritime knowledge and sustainable shipbuilding practices. Inspired by a fifth-century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings, INSV Kaundinya was constructed using ancient stitched-plank techniques, without nails or modern metal fastenings, through collaboration between naval architects, archaeologists, traditional shipwrights, and the Indian Navy.

The welcome ceremony at Port Sultan Qaboos featured officials from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, and Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, alongside a large gathering of the Indian community in Oman. Cultural performances from both countries added a festive touch to the occasion.

During his visit, Minister Sonowal held bilateral talks with H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Omani Minister of Transport, Communications, and IT, to explore further cooperation in maritime sectors. He highlighted opportunities for Omani companies to invest in India’s rapidly growing port and maritime infrastructure, including the Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra ($9 billion, 23 million TEU capacity) and the Tuticorin Outer Harbour project in Tamil Nadu ($1.3 billion, 4 million TEU capacity).

Sonowal also outlined India’s $8.4 billion maritime development package, designed to boost shipbuilding clusters, industrialization, R&D, and the establishment of a Maritime Development Fund. He proposed the creation of a Green Shipping Corridor between India and Oman to strengthen sustainable shipping collaboration.

The minister welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on maritime heritage and museums, which will deepen cooperation and enrich the shared maritime history of both nations.

India and Oman continue to strengthen maritime ties through enhanced connectivity, sustainable shipping initiatives, and collaboration in ports, shipbuilding, and seafaring sectors.