INSV Kaundinya: India’s push towards maritime decolonisation, reclaiming civilisational legacy

The maiden overseas voyage of INSV Kaundinya from Porbandar to Oman marks India’s effort to reclaim its maritime heritage and challenge colonial narratives portraying India as land-bound. Built using ancient stitched-plank shipbuilding techniques, the vessel demonstrates centuries-old indigenous knowledge, navigation skills, and transoceanic connectivity. The expedition reconnects India with historic trade and cultural routes across the Indian Ocean, highlighting a civilisational maritime legacy rooted in exchange and cooperation rather than conquest. Beyond symbolism, the voyage operationalizes decolonisation, validating India’s seafaring expertise and reinforcing its soft power, regional influence, and civilisational identity in contemporary Indo-Pacific strategy.