Mumbai, March 2 (NationPress) The Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Sanjay Seth, on Monday, held a ceremonial flag-in for the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya at the Mumbai Harbour, celebrating the successful conclusion of her inaugural international voyage to the Sultanate of Oman, as noted by an official.

This flag-in event in Mumbai not only marked a significant milestone in the revival of maritime heritage but also highlighted India’s ongoing dedication to maritime outreach, cultural diplomacy, and the safeguarding of traditional nautical craftsmanship, according to the official statement.

The ceremony symbolized the historic return journey of INSV Kaundinya across the Arabian Sea, reinforcing India’s rich maritime legacy and the longstanding ties between India and Oman within the Indian Ocean, the statement elaborated.

Constructed using ancient Indian techniques, INSV Kaundinya is a traditionally stitched vessel, where wooden planks are hand-stitched with coir rope and sealed using natural resins.

The ship exemplifies a revival of India's age-old maritime craftsmanship and illustrates the nation's resolve to rediscover and preserve its Indic knowledge systems, the statement indicated.

Inspired by a 5th-century CE depiction in the Ajanta Caves and built under the guidance of the Indian Navy in collaboration with skilled artisans, the vessel marries traditional craftsmanship with modern naval engineering validation.

“The INSV Kaundinya set sail from Porbandar on December 29, 2025, heading to Muscat, retracing ancient maritime routes once navigated by Indian sailors. It reached Port Sultan Qaboos on January 14, 2026, where it was ceremoniously welcomed by Omani dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora,” the statement mentioned.

“During her stay, the vessel welcomed visitors, acting as a floating emblem of maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy. This voyage significantly fortified the India-Oman connections, deeply rooted in centuries of trade involving spices, textiles, and frankincense, while reinforcing shared seafaring traditions across the Arabian Sea,” the statement continued.

This expedition underscored the Indian Navy’s role not just as a provider of maritime security but also as a guardian of India’s civilizational maritime heritage.

Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, the vessel represents India’s ancient legacy of oceanic navigation and outreach across the Indian Ocean.

Her successful journey stands as a testament to the resilience of traditional maritime construction techniques and the professionalism displayed by her crew.