Engine-less 'Stitched' Ship INSV Kaundinya Embarks on Historic Voyage to Oman

INSV Kaundinya, a stitch-ship with no engine, sails from Porbandar to Oman to revive ancient India-Gulf maritime trade routes.

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Dec 30, 2025 - 20:52
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Engine-less 'Stitched' Ship INSV Kaundinya Embarks on Historic Voyage to Oman

New Delhi: In a remarkable tribute to India’s glorious maritime heritage, the Indian Navy’s traditional vessel, INSV Kaundinya, set sail from Porbandar on Monday for its maiden international voyage to Muscat, Oman. This unique journey aims to revive the ancient maritime routes that connected India’s western coast with the Gulf region centuries ago.

INSV Kaundinya is not an ordinary vessel; it is a "stitched ship" built without a single iron nail. Inspired by 5th-century murals from the Ajanta Caves, the ship's wooden planks are sewn together using ropes made from coconut fiber. Measuring 19.6 meters in length, the vessel is entirely engine-less and relies solely on wind power and sails. Constructed using wood, ropes, and natural resin, it represents a rare fusion of historical craftsmanship and modern naval expertise.

The vessel will traverse approximately 1,400 kilometers across the Arabian Sea to reach Muscat. Named after the legendary navigator Kaundinya, who famously traveled from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, the ship symbolizes enduring friendship and trust between India and the Gulf.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the mission on ‘X’, stating that the voyage reflects India’s rich maritime traditions. "As the crew re-establishes our historical ties with the Gulf region, I wish them a safe and memorable journey," the PM said. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal added that the ship serves as a bridge between the past and the present, sailing on paths that once defined global trade.

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