PM Modi Celebrates INSV Kaundinya’s Historic Maritime Revival Voyage To Oman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday strongly endorsed India’s maritime heritage as the ancient stitched-ship INSV Kaundinya began 896her maiden voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat to Muscat in Oman.

The journey, however, marks a symbolic revival of India’s historic sea routes and reinforces the country’s deep-rooted naval and cultural legacy.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Wonderful to see that INSV Kaundinya is embarking on her maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman. Built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, this ship highlights India’s rich maritime traditions. I congratulate the designers, artisans, shipbuilders and the Indian Navy for their dedicated efforts in bringing this unique vessel to life.

“My best wishes to the crew for a safe and memorable journey, as they retrace our historic links with the Gulf region and beyond,” the post further read.

The Indian Navy reposted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message on X, amplifying its national and symbolic significance.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi commended the designers, artisans and shipbuilders involved in the project. He also praised the Indian Navy for its collective effort in realising the INSV Kaundinya.

Officials said the vessel sailed from Porbandar to Muscat to symbolically revive the ancient Indian Ocean trade routes. These routes, however, connected India with West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia for centuries.

The builders named the ship after the legendary mariner Kaundinya. He is likely to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, highlighting India’s historical leadership in oceanic navigation.

The Indian Navy stated that INSV Kaundinya is inspired by depictions of ancient Indian ships. It has been constructed entirely using traditional stitched-plank techniques.

Unlike modern vessels, artisans stitched the ship’s wooden planks together using coconut coir rope and sealed them with natural resins.

This indigenous technology once dominated shipbuilding along India’s coastline. It enabled Indian sailors to undertake long-distance voyages long before modern navigation tools emerged.

The project, however, reflects a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship and contemporary naval expertise.

The Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy executed the initiative through a tripartite memorandum of understanding. They undertook the project as part of a broader effort to revive India’s indigenous knowledge systems.

Traditional artisans constructed the vessel under the guidance of master shipwright Babu Sankaran.

The Indian Navy and academic institutions supported the project through extensive research, design validation and rigorous sea trials. They, however, ensured the ship meets modern seaworthiness standards and can safely navigate open oceans.

The Indian Navy formally inducted the ancient stitched ship on May 21. It was named INSV Kaundinya during a ceremonial event at Naval Base Karwar.

Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the ceremony as Chief Guest, marking the culmination of a landmark heritage initiative.

INSV Kaundinya draws its design from a 5th-century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta Caves.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently championed this effort to anchor India’s future maritime vision in its glorious past.

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