The Archaeological Survey of India and the National Museum of Denmark: Njord- Center for Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage, Copenhagen, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 15, 2026, to undertake a collaborative underwater archaeological project aimed at locating and documenting the remains of the historic Danish ship Oresund, which was wrecked off the coast near Karaikal, Puducherry, in 1619 CE.
The Oresund occupies a significant place in maritime history as the first Danish ship known to have reached India. Shortly after its arrival in Indian waters, the vessel was wrecked near Karaikal, making it an important archaeological resource for understanding the early maritime interactions between Denmark and India, as well as the broader history of seafaring and trade in the Indian Ocean during the early seventeenth century.
Shri Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, said, "The Archaeological Survey of India is committed to advancing scientific research, conservation, and international cooperation in the field of cultural heritage. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with the National Museum of Denmark represents an important step towards strengthening academic and institutional collaboration between our two countries. The proposed investigation of the historic Danish ship Oresund, which occupies a unique place in the shared maritime history of India and Denmark, will contribute significantly to our understanding of maritime interactions and trade networks in the Indian Ocean. We are confident that this collaboration, based on the application of advanced non-invasive technologies and scientific methodologies, will further enrich knowledge of our shared heritage while promoting the protection and documentation of underwater cultural resources in accordance with international best practices."
H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen Denmark’s Ambassador to India, said, “The Oresund represents an important chapter in the shared history of Denmark and India, reflecting centuries of maritime exchange and people-to-people connections. This collaboration between the National Museum of Denmark and the Archaeological Survey of India demonstrates how international partnerships can help uncover, document, and preserve our common heritage through scientific excellence and mutual trust. I am pleased that Denmark and India are joining hands on this pioneering initiative, which will deepen our understanding of the past while further strengthening the close cultural, academic, and research ties between our two countries.”
The investigations will be carried out by the Underwater Archaeology Wing of the Archaeological Survey of India in collaboration with the National Museum of Denmark. Under the terms of the MoU, the project will focus on conducting a non-invasive archaeological survey using advanced technologies and scientific methods to identify potential remains of the shipwreck.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the Underwater Archaeology Wing, as it represents its first collaborative archaeological project with an international organisation. The partnership is expected to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation between India and Denmark in the field of underwater cultural heritage research. This initiative also reflects the shared commitment of both institutions towards the documentation, protection, and study of underwater cultural heritage through international cooperation and the application of non-invasive scientific methodologies.
For more information, contact:
Ms. Swati Kapur
Senior Strategic Communications and Cultural Affairs Advisor
Royal Danish Embassy, New Delhi
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +91 9217709811