No Steel, No Welding – All You Need To Know About INSV Kaundinya, Built Using 2,000-Year-Old Stitched Ship Technique

New Delhi: The Indian Navy’s historic stitched sailing vessel, INSV ‘Kaundinya’, has successfully reached Muscat, Oman on Wednesday, after 18 days at sea. The idea of the ship is based on a 5th-century CE ship depicted in the paintings of Ajanta Caves. The voyage was skippered by Commander Vikas Sheoran, and the 16-member crew of INSV 'Kaundinya' finally reached its destination.

The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Stitched Ship Project - INSV Kaundinya, an initiative aimed at reviving India's ancient maritime traditions and craftsmanship.

In a social media post on X, the Ministry of Defence had said that the project is centred around INSV Kaundinya, a traditional wooden sailing vessel constructed without the use of modern welding or riveting techniques. Instead, it uses the age-old "stitched ship" technique, a unique form of shipbuilding indigenous to India.

"Ministry of Defence &@MinOfCultureGoIsigned an MoU for the Stitched Ship Project - INSV Kaundinya. A traditional wooden sailing vessel built without modern welding or riveting, #INSVKaundinya revives India's ancient maritime craftsmanship," the Ministry of Defence posted on X.

As per the MoU, the Indian Navy was responsible for maintaining, operating, manning the crew, and planning the voyage of the vessel. INSV Kaundinya set sail to Oman retracing millennia-old trade and cultural routes that once flourished across the Indian Ocean.

"Under the MoU, the @indiannavy will undertake maintenance, operations, crew manning & voyage planning. Later this year, she will sail to Oman, retracing millennia-old trade & cultural routes across the Indian Ocean,'' the Ministry said in its post.

Earlier, the Indian Navy's indigenous stealth frigate INS Satpura arrived at Colombo, where it received a warm welcome from personnel of the Sri Lanka Navy.

"#IndianNavy's indigenous stealth frigate #INSSatpura, arrived at Colombo to a heartening welcome by the personnel of @srilanka_navy showcasing both nations' enduring friendship & joint commitment to regional peace and prosperity," the Indian Navy spokesperson posted on X.

During the visit, the Indian Navy will engage in various professional exchanges, including rescue drills, force protection exercises, yoga sessions, and sports fixtures with the Sri Lankan Navy.

The visit also included high-level interactions aimed at enhancing bilateral naval cooperation. The Commanding Officer of INS Satpura called on Rear Admiral SJ Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area, to discuss avenues for strengthening joint maritime operations and interoperability.

"Commanding Officer called on RAdm SJ Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area. Discussions held on enhancing bilateral naval cooperation & joint activities to boost operational synergy - furthering partnership under Govt of India's #NeighbourhoodFirst & #MAHASAGAR initiative," the post added. (With ANI inputs)