Stitched sail ship INSV Kaundinya reaches Muscat on maiden voyage from Porbandar
The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya, a traditionally built stitched sail ship, reached Muscat, Oman, on 14 January 2026 after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar.
Summary
INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy's traditionally built stitched sail vessel, arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman, on 14 January 2026 after its maiden voyage from Porbandar, and was received by Union Ports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The voyage marks India–Oman maritime ties of more than 5,000 years and comes as the two countries commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations. Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, the ship is inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings and was built with ancient stitching techniques. Sonowal also held talks with Oman's Transport and IT Minister and pitched an India–Oman Green Shipping Corridor.
Key facts
- Vessel
- INSV Kaundinya — traditionally built stitched sail ship
- Voyage
- Maiden voyage, Porbandar → Muscat
- Arrival
- 14 January 2026, Port Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
- Received by
- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
- Design inspiration
- Fifth-century CE ship in the Ajanta Cave paintings
- Context
- 70 years of India–Oman diplomatic relations; Green Shipping Corridor pitched
Practice MCQs 3 questions
From which Indian port did INSV Kaundinya begin the maiden voyage that ended in Muscat in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Porbandar
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): INSV Kaundinya arrived in Muscat after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar.
The design of INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in which artwork?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Ajanta Cave paintings
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a fifth-century CE vessel depicted in the Ajanta Cave paintings.
INSV Kaundinya's arrival in Muscat came as India and Oman commemorate how many years of diplomatic relations?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 70 years
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): both countries are commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations.