The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya, a uniquely constructed 'stitched ship' designed to revive ancient Indian maritime traditions, has successfully completed its maiden overseas voyage. The vessel departed from Porbandar, Gujarat, on December 29, 2025, and reached Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman, on January 14, 2026, after an 17-18 day journey across the Arabian Sea. INSV Kaundinya's design is inspired by a 5th-century CE merchant ship depicted in the Ajanta Caves murals and is built using the traditional 'Tankai' method where wooden planks are stitched together with coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin, without using modern nails or metal fastenings. This initiative, funded by the Ministry of Culture and executed by the Indian Navy in collaboration with Hodi Innovations, aims to symbolically retrace historical maritime routes, showcasing India's rich shipbuilding heritage and seafaring prowess. During its voyage, the INSV Kaundinya relied on Eutelsat's OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity as its sole means of communication, demonstrating the adaptability of modern technology with traditional vessels. The 16-member crew, led by Commander Vikas Sheoran and Commander Y Hemant Kumar, also included Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council. Upon its arrival in Muscat, the vessel received a ceremonial water salute and a grand welcome from Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Omani dignitaries. The event was highlighted as a celebration of the deep-rooted civilizational ties and enduring friendship between India and Oman, spanning over 5,000 years. While the voyage has been hailed as a significant step in cultural diplomacy and the revival of indigenous knowledge, some historians suggest a distinction between symbolic reconstruction and historical practice, noting the stitched-ship technique was part of a broader Indian Ocean tradition. Nevertheless, the successful expedition marks a proud moment for India's maritime legacy.