Raksha Rajya Mantri Flags In INSV Kaundinya After Oman Voyage

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth on March two, 2026 flagged in to Naval Dockyard, Mumbai the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya after its return from a maiden overseas voyage to Muscat, Oman. The ceremony marked the completion of a traditionally constructed stitched vessel's expedition across the Arabian Sea and its return to Indian waters. The vessel was received with formal naval honours.\n\nThe minister described the project as nationally significant and said that the vessel represented the revival of India's ancient maritime knowledge systems and would inspire the country's youth. He emphasised the courage, resilience and the spirit of rediscovery reflected by the voyage and urged young Indians to embrace adventure and innovation rooted in civilisational confidence. The remarks framed the expedition as both a technological and cultural achievement.\n\nFlag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan commended the crew for extraordinary dedication and professionalism in sailing a traditionally constructed stitched vessel across the Arabian Sea. He noted the immense work from conceptualisation and research to design, traditional construction, crew training and voyage execution. Operating a square sailed stitched wooden vessel without modern structural reinforcements required exceptional planning, seamanship, teamwork and endurance and made the expedition a remarkable achievement for the Indian Navy.\n\nThe ceremonial entry featured a colourful parade of sails and a traditional water arc salute that created a notable atmosphere in the harbour and symbolised pride in maritime heritage. Dignitaries included the Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman Mr Mahboob Issa Alraisi in Mumbai, senior officers, veterans, representatives from Hodi Innovations, maritime community historians and sailing enthusiasts. INSV Kaundinya is a 20-metre traditionally constructed stitched sailing vessel inspired by a fifth century CE depiction from the Ajanta Caves and was built using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques in which wooden planks are stitched with coir rope and sealed with natural resins. Inducted into the Navy in May 2025 and named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, the vessel symbolises India's seafaring traditions and civilisational linkages across the Indian Ocean.