INSV Kaundinya Arrives in Muscat, Symbol of India-Oman Maritime Ties
INSV Kaundinya Arrives in Muscat, Symbol of India-Oman Maritime Ties
INSV Kaundinya completes its maiden 18-day voyage to Muscat, reinforcing India-Oman maritime ties and signaling expanded collaboration in ports and shipbuilding.
The Indian naval sailing vessel INSV Kaundinya completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat and arrived in Muscat at Port Sultan Qaboos on January 14, 2026. Skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, the 16-member crew steered the 18-day voyage, a modern nod to ancient seamanship and a platform for cultural and technical exchange.
The ship's arrival in Muscat was warmly welcomed by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who said the moment symbolizes the enduring India-Oman friendship and mutual respect. Dignitaries from the Indian Navy, the Royal Navy of Oman, the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, and other ministries were on hand to greet Kaundinya.
In a bilateral meeting, Sonowal spoke with Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, about expanding maritime cooperation and opportunities for Omani companies to participate in India’s fast-growing port and maritime sector. He also highlighted India's $8.4-billion maritime development package aimed at strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem.
The voyage reinforces ongoing maritime exchanges between the two countries and demonstrates India's commitment to expanding collaboration in training, technology sharing, and infrastructure development at sea.
