INS Sandhayak, the First Indigenous Survey Vessel Large (SVL), Visits Port Klang, Malaysia

IN NEWS – INS Sandhayak, the First Indigenous Survey Vessel Large (SVL), Visits Port Klang, Malaysia

Analysis

1. About the Visit:
   • INS Sandhayak, the first indigenously designed and constructed Survey Vessel Large (SVL) of the Indian Navy, made its maiden port call at Port Klang, Malaysia, from 16–19 July 2025.
   • The visit aimed to enhance hydrographic cooperation between India and Malaysia under the framework of the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) and the National Hydrographic Office.
2. Significance of the Visit:
   • The visit highlights India’s increasing role in regional hydrographic capacity building and reflects the country’s proactive engagement in maritime domain awareness and cooperation.
   • It is a practical demonstration of the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, promoting inclusive maritime partnerships.
3. Objectives and Key Activities:
   • Technical and Knowledge Exchanges: Facilitating in-depth sessions on hydrographic survey technologies and methodologies.
   • Institutional Cooperation: Strengthening institutional ties through sustained hydrographic support engagements.
   • Goodwill Events: Conducting official receptions and interactions to build mutual understanding and maritime goodwill.
4. About INS Sandhayak:
   • INS Sandhayak is the first ship of the Sandhayak-class hydrographic survey vessels, commissioned in February 2024.
   • The vessel is capable of:
     • Full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys,
     • Oceanographic data collection,
     • Search and Rescue (SAR) and humanitarian operations,
     • Supporting missions with an onboard helicopter and hospital facilities.
   • It represents a major stride in India’s indigenous shipbuilding and hydrographic survey capabilities.
5. Strategic Importance:
   • Strengthens India’s role as a regional maritime partner promoting safe navigation and data sharing.
   • Supports maritime diplomacy and contributes to enhancing interoperability and trust with ASEAN nations.
   • Reinforces India’s commitment to MAHASAGAR vision, focusing on security and growth through regional cooperation.

Static / Background Information

• Survey Vessel Large (SVL) Class:
  A class of indigenously designed hydrographic survey ships built to replace the aging Sandhayak-class vessels, enabling India to conduct advanced hydrographic and oceanographic surveys.
• Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD):
  The nodal agency responsible for hydrographic surveys, charting, and data dissemination to support navigation and maritime safety.
• MAHASAGAR Vision:
  An Indian initiative promoting mutual maritime cooperation and regional growth across the Indo-Pacific region through shared security and economic interests.
• Port Klang, Malaysia:
  Malaysia’s largest port and a major maritime gateway in Southeast Asia, significant for India’s strategic outreach under the Act East Policy.

Updated – 19 Jul 2025 ; 12:53 PM | PIB

News Source:PIB Press Release