Indian Navy commissions INS Ikshak, the third Survey Vessel (Large) class ship built by GRSE Kolkata, enhancing maritime survey and disaster relief capabilities.

A new chapter in India’s hydrographic excellence

In a landmark moment reflecting India’s self-reliance in defense shipbuilding, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Ikshak, the third vessel of the Survey Vessel (Large) class, on November 6 at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. The ceremonious event saw Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi presiding over the commissioning, marking another milestone in India’s maritime modernization journey.

Ikshak, meaning “guide” in Sanskrit, is more than a vessel—it’s a symbol of India’s ambition to chart its maritime destiny with indigenous strength and cutting-edge technology.

Building upon a legacy of capability

The commissioning of Ikshak follows two earlier milestones—INS Sandhayak, inducted in February 2024, and INS Nirdeshak, commissioned in December 2024. These vessels collectively represent a strategic leap in India’s hydrographic capabilities under a four-ship contract signed with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, on October 30, 2018.

Built with over 80 percent indigenous content, the vessel embodies the “Make in India” initiative in its truest form. GRSE’s collaboration with India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ensured that domestic innovation and craftsmanship were central to the project, advancing both national defense and industrial self-reliance.

Engineering the future of hydrography

Spanning 110 meters in length and displacing approximately 3,800 tonnes, INS Ikshak is powered by two modern diesel engines, granting it operational endurance and high efficiency. The vessel has been meticulously designed to conduct full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, navigational channels, and other maritime zones.

Equipped with a suite of advanced hydrographic and oceanographic instruments, Ikshak brings precision and versatility to India’s maritime mapping capability. Its features include a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs). Together, these systems allow for high-definition seabed profiling and oceanographic analysis essential for safe navigation and national defense operations.

The data collected by Ikshak’s onboard systems will serve as a cornerstone for maritime security, guiding both civilian and military vessels while strengthening India’s regional maritime safety architecture.

Beyond surveys: Dual-role capabilities

Ikshak’s design goes beyond its primary hydrographic mission. The vessel possesses dual-role capabilities, allowing it to transition into a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform when required. In times of natural calamities or emergencies, Ikshak can function as a hospital ship, providing medical and logistical support to affected regions.

Its integrated helicopter deck expands operational range, enabling aerial reconnaissance, rapid supply missions, and search-and-rescue operations. This multifunctional design underscores the Navy’s strategic push toward flexible, mission-adaptive platforms that serve both peacetime and operational roles.

Strategic perspectives and expert insights

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi praised the ship’s advanced features and indigenous build. “Ikshak exemplifies the synergy between innovation, industry, and defense readiness,” he said. “It represents the confidence and capability of Indian shipyards to meet our naval requirements with world-class precision.”

Maritime analysts view the induction of Ikshak as a move that aligns India’s naval modernization with its larger Indo-Pacific strategy. As maritime competition intensifies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), accurate hydrographic data and reliable navigation remain crucial for maintaining superiority and supporting joint operations.

Defense expert Commander (Retd.) A. Banerjee noted, “Hydrographic survey ships like Ikshak form the unseen foundation of blue-water operations. They chart the routes that other vessels rely on, making them indispensable to both peacetime logistics and wartime preparedness.”

Implications for India’s maritime future

The induction of Ikshak marks more than just an addition to the Navy’s fleet—it signifies India’s strategic and industrial maturity. With over 80 percent indigenous content and advanced digital integration, the vessel stands at the intersection of national defense, technological innovation, and industrial growth.

By expanding India’s hydrographic and oceanographic capabilities, INS Ikshak enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to update charts, safeguard maritime trade routes, and support international missions under the United Nations framework. It contributes to regional stability by bolstering India’s leadership in maritime data and disaster response operations.

Ikshak’s presence at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi will also aid in training new hydrographers and maritime specialists, strengthening India’s institutional knowledge base in naval surveying and ocean sciences.

Toward a self-reliant maritime vision

The commissioning of INS Ikshak represents a convergence of technology, strategy, and sovereignty. As the third Survey Vessel (Large) class ship—and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command—it amplifies India’s commitment to building a modern, self-reliant naval ecosystem.

In a maritime century where control of sea lines defines economic and strategic influence, vessels like Ikshak ensure India remains charting new waters—securely and confidently.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and official press releases from the Indian Navy and the Press Information Bureau. The views expressed are for informational purposes and do not reflect any official defense policy stance.