1 hour ago
INSV Kaundinya Reaches Muscat: Sanjeev Sanyal Hails Success Of Ancient Stitched Ship Voyage
On this India First broadcast, the focus is on India's ancient maritime legacy as the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya completes its maiden voyage. The vessel, built using a rare fifth-century stitched ship technique, arrived at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat after sailing from Porbandar, Gujarat. Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council and part of the crew, described the journey as a success, stating, 'Without the Prime Minister's encouragement, this wouldn't even have started.' He credited the Ministry of Culture for financing the project and the Indian Navy for supervising the construction and providing the crew. The voyage retraced historic sea routes that once connected India with West Asia, highlighting India's civilisational seafaring strength and indigenous shipbuilding expertise. The vessel was led by Commander Vikas Sheron and expedition chief Hemant, with construction guided by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. This mission serves as a powerful statement of India's cultural depth and technological confidence in the Indian Ocean region.
