In a vibrant celebration of India’s maritime legacy, the Indian community in Oman, under the aegis of the Indian Embassy in Muscat, hosted a grand programme to welcome the INSV KAUNDINYA, which completed its historic voyage from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat. The ship, affectionately called “The Stitched Ship of India”, departed on December 29, 2025, and arrived in Muscat on January 14, 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime history.

An Emotional Reception

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Tavishi Behel Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Muscat, described the arrival of the ship as both emotional and inspiring for the Indian community in Oman.

“It was yesterday when I saw INSV KAUNDINYA live for the first time… it literally gave me goosebumps once I actually saw it, because the ship is symbolic of 5,000 years of history,” Pandey said, highlighting the sense of pride and connection the ship evoked among attendees.

She noted that the programme drew a large turnout of Indians in Oman, reflecting enthusiasm that extended far beyond official or diplomatic circles. The presence of Indian school students was especially heartwarming, as they engaged directly with the crew and gained firsthand insights into the challenges and triumphs of the voyage.

“What caught my attention was that there were a lot of Indian school students as well who were participating… they got their signatures of the real-life heroes and their ideals. So, it was a very heartwarming sight for me,” Pandey said, stressing the educational and inspirational value of such interactions.

Maritime Heritage and Diplomacy

The INSV KAUNDINYA voyage holds deep diplomatic and cultural significance. According to Pandey, the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to revive India’s maritime heritage. During his visit to Muscat in December, PM Modi highlighted maritime heritage as part of India-Oman ties, coining the term “Maitri”, with ‘M’ representing Maritime Heritage.

The successful voyage not only celebrated India’s nearly 5,000-year-old seafaring history but also strengthened India-Oman relations, coinciding with the culmination of celebrations marking 70 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Pandey emphasized that such initiatives deepen people-to-people links rooted in geography, trust, and centuries of cultural exchange.

Engaging Students and Community

The Indian Embassy in Muscat has actively engaged the diaspora, particularly students, in the maritime heritage initiative. Competitions in poetry, essays, and storytelling were organized during Vishwi Hindi Divas to spark curiosity and research on the INSV KAUNDINYA. Plans are also underway to arrange guided ship visits for students and community members, subject to port regulations, allowing them to experience India’s maritime legacy firsthand.

Cultural Celebrations

The welcome programme featured a 10-member Gujarati folk dance troupe, led by renowned artist Shri Rajendrakumar D. Rawal. The troupe delivered vibrant performances of traditional Gujarati dances, including Kerbano Vesh (Bhavai), Hudo (Bharwad tribal dance), Mishra Raas, Talwar Raas, and Garbo, offering attendees a colourful glimpse into Gujarat’s rich folk heritage. The cultural showcase served as a bridge between India’s historical maritime achievements and its living cultural traditions.

The Voyage of INSV KAUNDINYA

The INSV KAUNDINYA is a reconstructed ancient stitched vessel, inspired by India’s early maritime traditions. The ship’s crew of 18 Indian Navy personnel, along with Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, successfully navigated the vessel across the Arabian Sea.

The voyage is widely recognized as a tribute to India’s centuries-old seafaring legacy, highlighting the country’s pivotal role in early trade, navigation, and cultural exchanges across the Indian Ocean region. By recreating and sailing such an ancient vessel, India celebrates its technological ingenuity, navigational expertise, and rich maritime heritage.

A Historic and Symbolic Moment

For the Indian diaspora in Oman, the arrival of INSV KAUNDINYA was more than just a maritime achievement—it was a symbol of national pride and cultural continuity. Pandey described the event as a moment that inspired both the community and the next generation of Indians, particularly students, by showing them tangible evidence of India’s historical prowess in exploration and navigation.

The programme also reinforced the importance of maritime history in shaping India’s contemporary identity, connecting citizens abroad to their roots and instilling appreciation for India’s historical contributions to trade, culture, and diplomacy.

Conclusion

The INSV KAUNDINYA welcome in Muscat stands as a landmark event for India’s maritime diplomacy, diaspora engagement, and cultural outreach. By blending historical legacy with educational and cultural programmes, the initiative has inspired young minds, strengthened India-Oman relations, and celebrated India’s ancient maritime heritage in a contemporary global context.

The successful voyage of INSV KAUNDINYA is a testament to India’s seafaring tradition, its spirit of exploration, and the ability to connect communities worldwide through culture, history, and shared pride.

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