Indian Navy commissions INS Ikshak, a new booster for India’s marine power

The Indian Navy on Thursday inducted the indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large) 'Ikshak', following months of success in Operation Sindoor. Designed with dual-role capability, the ship can function both as a hydrographic survey platform and as a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) vessel, including serving as a hospital ship during emergencies. Presided over by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the commissioning ceremony was held at Naval Base, Kochi.

With this induction, Ikshak becomes the third vessel of the SVL class in the Indian Navy fleet. Significantly, she is also the first SVL ship to feature dedicated women-specific accommodation, reflecting the Navy's inclusive approach toward a future-ready fleet, a spokesperson said.

"Beyond her primary role of hydrographic survey operations, Ikshak is equipped to serve as a HADR platform and hospital ship during emergencies," the Navy noted. The commissioning marks an important milestone in India's pursuit of hydrographic excellence and indigenisation.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi commissioned INS Ikshak, the Indian Navy’s third indigenously designed and built Survey Vessel (large).Addressing the commissioning event, Tripathi said that INS Ikshak is the Indian Navy's tenth platform to be commissioned in 2025.

He called Iskhak another milestone for the Indian Navy and India’s shipbuilding enterprise. According to him, the maritime domain is currently undergoing a profound transformation—driven by geopolitics, technology, and tactics.

"The seas are witnessing sharper competition for influence, resources, and connectivity. The rise of new technologies, contestations over critical minerals, and evolving patterns of maritime trade are redrawing the strategic map across the oceans," he said. He quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "When the global seas are rough, the world looks for a steady lighthouse. India is well poised to play that role with strength and stability," and said that the Indian Navy embodies this vision.

"Today, Indian Navy’s growing operational capabilities, expanding reach and extensive cooperative initiatives with like-minded nations underscore India’s role as a first responder and preferred security partner in shaping a free, open, and inclusive global commons across the region," he said. He said that the Indian Navy’s survey ships fulfill the mission of making the seas knowable, navigable, and safe to India and its maritime partners.

"To fulfil this role, Ikshak, like her predecessors Sandhayak and Nirdeshak, is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic systems, advanced ocean-mapping tools and a vast array of specialised equipment," he said. He said that last year alone, the Indian Navy’s survey ships rendered hydrographic assistance to Mauritius and Vietnam.

"INS Sandhayak, the lead ship of this class, commissioned on 03 Feb 2024, has recently completed an important deployment to Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, showcasing the Indian Navy’s hydrographic and ship-building capabilities," he said. He said that the Indian Navy has transitioned from a buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, under the supervision of the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata), Ikshak incorporates over 80% indigenous content, the Navy added. The vessel showcases successful collaboration between GRSE and Indian MSMEs, embodying the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The ship's name, 'Ikshak', meaning "the guide," aptly symbolises her mission - to chart the unknown, ensure safe passage for mariners, and boost India's maritime power, the Navy said.