March 02, New Delhi - The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, Kaundinya, will be ceremonially launched into Mumbai Harbour on Monday.
The launch ceremony marks the successful completion of the vessel's maiden overseas voyage to the Sultanate of Oman, as well as its historic return passage across the Arabian Sea, reaffirming India's enduring maritime heritage and the India-Oman relationship across the Indian Ocean.
INSV Kaundinya departed from Porbandar on December 29, 2025, for Muscat, retracing ancient maritime routes once used by Indian sailors.
It arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos on January 14, 2026, where the vessel received a ceremonial welcome from Omani dignitaries and members of the Indian diaspora.
During its stay, the vessel was open to visitors, serving as a floating symbol of maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy.
The voyage significantly strengthened India-Oman relations, rooted in millennia of trade in spices, textiles, and frankincense, and reinforced shared seafaring traditions across the Arabian Sea.
The expedition highlighted the Indian Navy's role not only as a maritime security provider but also as a custodian of India's civilisational maritime legacy.