The Indian naval sailing vessel Kaundinya arrived in Muscat on January 14, 2026, after completing its first voyage from Porbandar in Gujarat. The ship and its crew were warmly received by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, at Port Sultan Qaboos. Mr. Sonowal called the arrival of Kaundinya a symbol of the lasting India-Oman friendship, strengthened by mutual respect. Present at the event were Azzan Al Busaidi, under secretary of Tourism from Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, senior officers from the Indian Navy, Royal Navy of Oman, the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard, and other ministries. Mr. Sonowal also met with Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Oman's Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. They discussed ways to expand maritime cooperation between the two nations. Highlighting opportunities, Mr. Sonowal invited Omani companies to join India’s growing port and maritime sector. He also spoke about India's $8.4-billion maritime development package to strengthen the shipbuilding industry.