INSV Kaundinya Reaches Muscat, Rekindles 5,000-Year-Old India–Oman Maritime Bond
India and Oman on Tuesday celebrated a historic maritime moment as the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Kaundinya arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar and symbolically reviving a seafaring relationship that stretches back over five millennia.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal personally welcomed the crew at the port, describing the voyage as a living reminder of the ancient civilisational link between the two nations and a tribute to India’s maritime heritage.
“This arrival represents far more than a successful journey at sea. It reflects the deep-rooted friendship between India and Oman, built over centuries through trade, culture and shared history,” Sonowal said at the reception ceremony. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for restoring India’s traditional shipbuilding knowledge and showcasing it to the world.
A Vessel Built from History
Named after legendary Indian mariner Kaundinya, the vessel was constructed using ancient stitched-plank techniques without modern metal fastenings. Inspired by 5th-century depictions found in the Ajanta cave paintings, the project was executed by the Indian Navy with support from archaeologists, traditional shipbuilders and naval architects, reviving sustainable shipbuilding practices of early India.
The arrival comes during the 70th year of diplomatic relations between India and Oman, adding special significance to the event.
Cultural Welcome and Community Participation
The welcome ceremony witnessed the presence of senior Omani officials, Indian and Omani naval representatives, and members of the Indian diaspora. Traditional performances from both nations highlighted the shared cultural and maritime heritage.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation
On the sidelines of the event, Sonowal held bilateral talks with Oman’s Minister for Transport, Communications and Information Technology Eng. Said Al Mawali, focusing on expanding maritime cooperation, port development, shipbuilding and digital connectivity.
Sonowal invited Omani companies to participate in India’s rapidly expanding port infrastructure programme, including the $9 billion Vadhavan Port project in Maharashtra and the $1.3 billion Tuticorin Outer Harbour project in Tamil Nadu. He also outlined India’s $8.4 billion maritime development plan aimed at strengthening shipbuilding clusters, R&D, and industrial ecosystems.
Proposal for Green Shipping Corridor
A major highlight of the discussions was India’s proposal to establish a Green Shipping Corridor between India and Oman, aimed at promoting cleaner maritime transport, sustainable shipping solutions and climate-friendly logistics.
Both sides also welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on maritime heritage and museums, further deepening historical and cultural cooperation.
With growing collaboration in ports, shipping, shipbuilding and maritime sustainability, the arrival of INSV Kaundinya marks not just a symbolic voyage — but a renewed strategic partnership across the Indian Ocean.