INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy’s unique engineless stitched ship, embarked on its maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman, on Monday.
Built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, the vessel set sail as a tribute to India’s rich maritime heritage.
As the ship began its historic journey, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the crew, highlighting the significance of retracing India’s ancient maritime links with the Gulf region and beyond.
“Wonderful to see that INSV Kaundinya is embarking on her maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman. Built using the ancient Indian stitched-ship technique, this ship highlights India’s rich maritime traditions. I congratulate the designers, artisans, shipbuilders and the Indian Navy for their dedicated efforts in bringing this unique vessel to life. My best wishes to the crew for a safe and memorable journey, as they retrace our historic links with the Gulf region and beyond,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
INSV Kaundinya has no engine, metal fastenings or modern propulsion systems, relying entirely on wind and sails—reflecting maritime practices of the 5th century.
The vessel will cover a sea distance of around 1,400 kilometres, or approximately 750 nautical miles. The maiden voyage is expected to take about 15 days and is being undertaken by a crew of 16 members.
Standing 13 feet tall, the ship measures 65 feet in length and 22 feet in width, and weighs nearly 50 tonnes.
The vessel is a recreation of a 5th-century CE ship depicted in the Ajanta cave paintings and has been constructed using traditional techniques. It was inducted into the Indian Navy in May this year during a ceremony presided over by Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.