Union Minister welcomes INSV Kaundinya crew at Muscat port

The Indian naval sailing vessel Kaundinya arrived in Muscat after completing its maiden voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat. The ship and the crew were received by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat on Wednesday (January 14, 2026).

Mr. Sonowal said the arrival of the stitched ship in Muscat was symbolic of the enduring India-Oman friendship that had stood the test of time and strengthened by mutual respect.

Azzan Al Busaidi, under secretary, Tourism, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, along with senior dignitaries from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, and other ministries were present.

Mr. Sonowal also held a bilateral meeting with Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman on expanding maritime cooperation between the two nations.

He highlighted significant opportunities for Omani companies to participate in India’s rapidly expanding port and maritime sector. Mr. Sonowal also outlined India’s $8.4-billion maritime development package aimed at strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem.