The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Culture have joined hands to revive India’s traditional shipbuilding practices through the Stitched Ship Project, with INSV Kaundinya at its core. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday to take the initiative forward.

According to the Defence Ministry, INSV Kaundinya is a wooden sailing ship built entirely without welding or riveting. Instead, it has been assembled using the centuries-old stitched ship method, a craft unique to India’s maritime heritage.

"Ministry of Defence & @MinOfCultureGoIsigned an MoU for the Stitched Ship Project - INSV Kaundinya. A traditional wooden sailing vessel built without modern welding or riveting, #INSVKaundinya revives India's ancient maritime craftsmanship," the Ministry of Defence posted on X.

Under the agreement, the Navy will handle the vessel’s upkeep, manning, and voyage planning. The ship is expected to sail to Oman later this year, retracing ancient trade and cultural routes across the Indian Ocean.

"Under the MoU, the @indiannavy will undertake maintenance, operations, crew manning & voyage planning. Later this year, she will sail to Oman, retracing millennia-old trade & cultural routes across the Indian Ocean," the Ministry said in another post.

Meanwhile, the Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Satpura docked in Colombo to a ceremonial welcome by the Sri Lankan Navy.

"#IndianNavy's indigenous stealth frigate #INSSatpura, arrived at Colombo to a heartening welcome by the personnel of @srilanka_navy showcasing both nations' enduring friendship & joint commitment to regional peace and prosperity," the Navy spokesperson posted on X.

The visit includes joint exercises such as rescue operations, force protection drills, yoga sessions, and sporting events with Sri Lankan counterparts.

Senior-level talks also took place, with INS Satpura’s Commanding Officer meeting Rear Admiral SJ Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area, to explore closer cooperation.

"Commanding Officer called on RAdm SJ Kumara, Commander Western Naval Area. Discussions held on enhancing bilateral naval cooperation & joint activities to boost operational synergy - furthering partnership under Govt of India's #NeighbourhoodFirst & #MAHASAGAR initiative," the post added.