♦ Traditionally-built stitched ship INSV Kaundinya, embarked on her maiden overseas voyage, from Gujarat to Oman on 29 December 2025. This is a recreation of a fifth-century vessel, and inspired by a  painting from the ancient Ajanta Caves.

♦ Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, the ship embodies India’s historic role as a maritime nation.

♦ Its design and construction had posed “unique technical challenges”. 

♦ The Indian Navy had formally inducted and named the vessel as Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya at a ceremonial event held at the Karwar naval base on May 21, in the presence of Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

♦ The project of building a stitched ship with an ancient technique was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture.