Indian Navy Set to Commission ‘Ikshak’, the Third Survey Vessel (Large)

IN NEWS: Indian Navy Set to Commission ‘Ikshak’, the Third Survey Vessel (Large)

Analysis

1. Context and Significance
   • The Indian Navy will commission ‘Ikshak’, the third indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL], at Naval Base Kochi on 6 November 2025.
   • The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
   • This marks a major step in India’s commitment to hydrographic excellence, maritime self-reliance, and indigenisation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
2. Indigenisation and Industrial Collaboration
   • Ikshak has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).
   • The vessel boasts over 80% indigenous content, highlighting successful collaboration between GRSE and Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises).
   • This reinforces India’s growing capability to design and build complex naval platforms domestically.
3. Operational Role and Dual-Use Capability
   • Ikshak’s primary role is to conduct hydrographic survey operations, crucial for charting navigational routes and ensuring maritime safety.
   • The vessel is equipped for dual-role operations:
     • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
     • Hospital Ship configuration during emergencies, enhancing India’s maritime humanitarian response capacity.
4. Inclusivity and Modern Naval Vision
   • Notably, Ikshak is the first SVL-class vessel designed with dedicated accommodation for women personnel.
   • This reflects the Indian Navy’s progressive and inclusive outlook, aligning with its vision for a gender-diverse and future-ready fleet.
5. Symbolism and Strategic Value
   • The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning “The Guide”, symbolises the vessel’s purpose—to explore uncharted waters, assist mariners in safe navigation, and strengthen India’s maritime domain awareness.
   • The commissioning of this vessel bolsters India’s hydrographic capabilities, vital for both defence preparedness and regional maritime cooperation.

Static / Background Information

• Survey Vessels (Large) [SVL] Project:
  • Approved under the Government’s Make in India initiative to replace the ageing Sandhayak-class survey ships.
  • The class includes Nirdeshak, Sandhayak, and now Ikshak, with another vessel under construction.
  • Designed for high-precision hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, coastal and oceanic waters.
• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE):
  • One of India’s leading shipyards, GRSE has delivered over 100 ships to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
  • It plays a crucial role in India’s shipbuilding ecosystem through its partnerships with domestic industries and MSMEs.
• Hydrographic Survey Operations:
  • Involve charting sea depths, underwater features, and navigational hazards.
  • Provide data essential for maritime trade, port development, coastal security, and naval operations.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence:
  • Emphasises indigenisation of defence production to reduce import dependency.
  • Encourages indigenous R&D, private sector participation, and MSME integration into the defence manufacturing value chain.

Updated – 27 Oct 2025 ; 6:12 PM | PIB

Source: PIB Press Release