On Tuesday, Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi laid the keel for a “stitched ship”, reminiscent of vessels that sailed on India’s ancient maritime trade routes, in Goa. She said the stitching of this vessel is an intangible cultural heritage of the country.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar and Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council of the Prime Minister, attended the event. During the ceremony, it was announced that once the ship is completed, the Indian Navy will embark on a unique voyage along traditional maritime trade routes using ancient navigation techniques. A Navy spokesperson had previously revealed this plan.

The Indian Navy, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Culture and M/s Hodi Innovations in Goa, is actively involved in the construction of this ancient stitched ship.