INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy’s first stitched sailing vessel, revives ancient Indian shipbuilding and seafaring heritage. It embarks on its maiden overseas voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat, Oman, on December 29, 2025, retracing historic Indian Ocean maritime routes.
Vessel Features
Crafted using traditional stitched-plank methods, the wooden hull features coconut coir ropes and natural resins, mirroring techniques employed by ancient Indian mariners for voyages to West Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Named after legendary sailor Kaundinya, it blends historical accuracy with modern naval seaworthiness for oceanic travel.
Project Background
Developed via a tripartite MoU between the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and M/s Hodi Innovations, the vessel was built by artisans under master shipwright Shri Babu Sankaran. Supported by Navy research, academic input, and rigorous testing, it honors India’s indigenous maritime legacy.
