INSV Kaundinya flagged into harbour

Union minister Sanjay Seth on Monday flagged into the Mumbai harbour INSV Kaundinya, a traditionally constructed stitched sailing vessel of the Indian Navy, which returned home after the successful completion of her historic maiden overseas voyage to Muscat.

- PTI

The vessel was welcomed with a colourful parade of sails and a traditional water arc salute, creating a spectacular and emotionally charged atmosphere at the Naval Dockyard.

The engineless vessel embarked on a maiden voyage on December 29 from Gujarat's Porbandar to Muscat, to retrace old maritime routes that once connected the western coast of India with Oman.

Addressing the gathering, Seth, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence, highlighted the national significance of the project.

INSV Kaundinya represented the revival of India's ancient maritime knowledge systems and would serve as an inspiration to the country's youth, he said.