On December 29, 2025, the Indian Navy's INSV Kaundinya, a traditional stitched sailing vessel, began its maiden overseas journey from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Muscat in Oman. This historic expedition celebrates India's ancient maritime heritage through a living ocean voyage. The ship was flagged off by Vice-Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, in the presence of Issa Saleh Al Shibani, Oman's Ambassador to India, along with senior naval officers and guests. Built using ancient stitched shipbuilding techniques and natural materials, INSV Kaundinya draws from centuries-old practices and India's rich legacy of indigenous shipbuilding and ocean navigation. The voyage retraces old maritime routes connecting India's western coast with Oman, which once fostered trade and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean. This voyage also aims to deepen ties between India and Oman by highlighting their shared maritime heritage and strengthening people-to-people connections. The ship's arrival in Muscat is seen as a symbol of friendship, trust, and respect between the two nations, continuing a historical bond especially strong between Gujarat and Oman. Commander Vikas Sheoran leads the vessel as skipper, with Commander Y. Hemant Kumar as the Officer-in-Charge of the expedition. The crew includes four officers and 13 sailors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the crew a safe journey, saying, "Wonderful to see that INSV Kaundinya is embarking on her maiden voyage from Porbandar to Muscat, Oman... My best wishes to the crew for a safe and memorable journey, as they retrace our historic links with the Gulf region and beyond." He applauded the artisans, designers, shipbuilders, and the Indian Navy for bringing this unique vessel to life. This expedition highlights India's commitment to maritime diplomacy, heritage preservation, and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.