New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday commended the effort behind a vessel crafted using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, which is now making its inaugural journey from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman.

In a message shared on X, he remarked, “It is remarkable to witness INSV Kaundinya setting sail on her first voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman. Constructed utilizing the age-old Indian stitched-ship technique, this vessel showcases India’s vibrant maritime heritage. I extend my congratulations to the designers, artisans, shipbuilders, and the Indian Navy for their relentless dedication in bringing this extraordinary ship into existence.”

“I wish the crew a safe and unforgettable journey as they retrace our historical connections with the Gulf region and beyond,” he added.

The Prime Minister’s social media message was shared by the Indian Navy.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that PM Modi appreciated the designers, artisans, shipbuilders, and the Indian Navy for their devoted efforts in realizing INSV Kaundinya.

The ship departed from Porbandar, Gujarat, heading to Muscat, Oman, symbolically retracing the ancient maritime routes that linked India with the broader Indian Ocean world for centuries, according to an official statement.

Named after the legendary sailor Kaundinya, who is thought to have traveled from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, the ship signifies India’s historic maritime legacy.

The Indian Navy stated that INSV Kaundinya is inspired by illustrations of ancient Indian vessels and is fully constructed using traditional stitched-plank methods.

This ship represents a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and modern naval knowledge. Unlike modern ships, her wooden planks are stitched together with coconut coir rope and sealed with natural resins, showcasing a shipbuilding tradition that was once common along India’s coasts and across the Indian Ocean.

This technology allowed Indian sailors to embark on long-distance journeys to West Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia long before modern navigation and metallurgy were developed, the statement added.

The initiative was executed through a tripartite MoU between the Ministry of Culture and the Navy as part of India’s mission to rediscover and rejuvenate indigenous knowledge systems.

Constructed by traditional craftsmen under the mentorship of master shipwright Babu Sankaran and supported by extensive research, design, and testing from the Indian Navy and academic institutions, the vessel has been deemed fully seaworthy and is capable of oceanic navigation.

The Indian Navy officially inducted and named the ancient stitched ship as INSV Kaundinya on May 21 during a ceremonial event held at Naval Base, Karwar.

Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was the Chief Guest at the event, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary project that honors India’s rich shipbuilding legacy.

INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship based on a 5th-century CE vessel illustrated in the paintings of Ajanta Caves.