Saturday 16 / May / 2026
New York: The Permanent Missions of the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India to the United Nations in New York organised an event titled 'Ancient Trade Routes: The Journey of INSV Kaundinya', which reviewed the journey of a stitched-plank sailing vessel of Indian Navy, which set sail on December 29, 2025, from Porbandar Port in the Indian state of Gujarat, arriving at Sultan Qaboos Port in Muttrah on January 14, 2026.
In this context, Ambassador Omar bin Said al Kathiri, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, explained that the journey of the ship 'Kaundinya'' brings to mind the long-standing and strong relationship that unites the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of India, which has flourished in the heart of the Indian Ocean for centuries.
His Excellency noted that the visit of the ship 'Kaundinya' to the Sultanate of Oman is a living testament to the strong ties that bind the two friendly countries.
His Excellency reviewed the legacy of the maritime partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and India, which sought to build bridges of communication between civilizations, and the role played by ports such as Muscat, Sur, and Mumbai as vital gateways for trade and cultural exchange around the world.
His Excellency added that the spirit of cooperation that has always characterized relations between the Sultanate of Oman and India inspires the adoption of cooperative approaches in managing marine resources and preserving biodiversity, and has shown leadership in promoting responsible fishing practices, combating marine pollution, and supporting scientific research, through the exchange of experiences and the promotion of dialogue, which contributes to achieving a global vision of sustainable and productive oceans that are accessible to all in a way that serves the interests of future generations.
The event included interventions from the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, who explained that the journey of the Indian ship 'Kaundinya' confirms the long-standing maritime relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and India and brings to mind the ancient maritime traditions of trade and cultural exchange between India and the countries of the region in the Arabian Gulf and the role it played in consolidating the established relations between India and the countries of the region.
The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman also participated with a video clip showcasing Omani-Indian relations across the ages and civilisations, reflecting the rich cultural, historical and civilisational heritage that Oman and India possess throughout the ages and its impact on the depth of historical relations whose effects are still present today.
Ambassador Dr Adnan bin Rashid al Azri, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman for the Continental Shelf and Maritime Affairs, spoke about the joint projects between the two countries in the fields of marine science, the aquatic environment and water management. The event also witnessed interaction from the participating delegations from the countries bordering the Indian Ocean and Europe.
A delegation from the Indian Navy and the crew of the ship 'Kaundinya' reviewed the efforts made by the Indian Navy to rebuild the ship and the training phases it went through in preparation for this voyage, expressing their appreciation for the warm welcome they received upon their arrival in the Sultanate of Oman.
The event was attended by a number of Their Excellencies, representatives of member states to the United Nations, officials of United Nations offices and staff of diplomatic missions in New York.
