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Economist and Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council member, Sanjeev Sanyal, on Sunday shared a detailed Day 7 update from the Arabian Sea, offering a rare first-hand account of the ongoing historic voyage of Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya to Oman.
In a post on X, Sanyal wrote, "Day 7 update: The strong NE winds died down yesterday afternoon, and for several hours the seas were flat and glassy. Although we were floating aimlessly, it was a relief from the rolling and pitching. Allowed us to do chores, repairs and clean up. Light winds picked up at night. We had feared another westerly blowing us off, but it has so far remained mostly northerly, which allows us to push west at 2 knots overnight. So, this morning is relatively calm, and we can update the charts and exchange news of the world. Btw, we saw the outline of a large aircraft carrier before dawn - not one of ours. Wonder who it is?" The update comes as INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy's indigenously built traditional stitched sailing vessel, continues its maiden overseas voyage after setting sail from Porbandar, Gujarat, on December 29, bound for Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. The expedition marks a major milestone in India's efforts to revive, understand and celebrate its ancient maritime heritage through a living ocean voyage. Built using traditional stitched shipbuilding techniques and natural materials, Kaundinya is inspired by historical sources and iconographic evidence of ancient Indian ocean-going vessels. The vessel was formally flagged off by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, in the presence of Issa Saleh Al Shibani, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to India, and senior Indian Navy officials. Earlier, the PM Narendra Modi had also praised the expedition, calling it a powerful reflection of India's rich maritime traditions. He noted that the voyage retraces historic links between India and the Gulf region, highlighting centuries-old trade, cultural exchange and civilisational interactions across the Indian Ocean. The Indian Navy has said the voyage will also help strengthen bilateral relations between India and Oman by reinforcing shared maritime heritage and people-to-people ties, while underscoring India's commitment to maritime diplomacy, heritage preservation and regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. (ANI)
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