Indian Navy to Commission Indigenously Built Survey Vessel (Large) — Ikshak

1. Overview

• The Indian Navy will commission INS Ikshak, an indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large), on 6 November 2025 at Naval Base Kochi.

• The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

• Ikshak represents a major step towards self-reliance in naval shipbuilding and modernisation of India’s hydrographic survey capabilities.

2. Builder and Indigenous Collaboration

• Builder: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata.

• Supervision: Directorate of Ship Production & Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata).

• Indigenisation Level: Over 80% indigenous content, involving significant participation from Indian MSMEs and domestic industries.

• Significance:

  • Strengthens the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

  • Reduces dependency on foreign technology and imports.

  • Showcases India’s capability to design and construct advanced hydrographic ships domestically.

3. Class and Sequence

• Ikshak is the third vessel in the Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class.

• The series consists of four ships being built by GRSE for the Indian Navy.

• The first two ships in the series are:

  1. INS Sandhayak (lead ship, commissioned earlier)

  2. INS Nirdeshak

4. Purpose and Operational Role

• Primary Role: Hydrographic survey operations — essential for producing nautical charts and ensuring safe navigation.

• Functions include:

  • Mapping of seas, coastal waters, ports, and shipping lanes.

  • Collection of oceanographic and hydrographic data.

  • Support to naval operations and maritime security.

5. Equipment and Capabilities

• Equipped with state-of-the-art survey and navigation systems, including:

  • Multi-beam Echo Sounders

  • Side-scan Sonars

  • Advanced Positioning and Data Processing Systems

  • Communication and Charting Tools

• Special Features:

  • Capable of conducting research, mapping, and data collection for both defence and civil uses.

  • Can operate in deep and shallow waters.

6. Dual-Role Capability

• Apart from survey operations, Ikshak can be reconfigured to support non-combat missions:

  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):

    • Transport of relief material and personnel.

    • Rescue and evacuation operations.

  • Hospital Ship Role:

    • Can provide medical support and casualty evacuation during natural disasters or emergencies.

7. Design and Accommodation

• Built with modern automation, propulsion, and habitability standards.

• First Survey Vessel (Large) to have dedicated accommodation for women officers and sailors, reflecting the Navy’s inclusive vision.

• Spacious design for better crew comfort and endurance during long missions.

8. Symbolism of the Name – “Ikshak”

• The word Ikshak means “The Guide.”

• Symbolises the vessel’s mission — to chart unknown waters and guide mariners safely.

• Reflects the Indian Navy’s motto of service, precision, and guidance in maritime navigation.

9. Strategic and National Importance

• Enhances India’s hydrographic survey capabilities and maritime domain awareness.

• Strengthens India’s role as a regional provider of hydrographic data to friendly nations in the Indian Ocean region.

• Boosts India’s blue economy initiatives by supporting safe marine navigation and resource exploration.

• Contributes to Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.

10. Key Facts for UPSC Prelims

11. Broader Relevance for UPSC

• GS Paper 3 (Security / Defence Technology): Indigenous defence production, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, naval modernisation.

• GS Paper 2 (International Relations): Strengthening maritime partnerships through hydrographic cooperation.

• Essay / Interview Topics:

  • “Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence Sector.”

  • “India’s Maritime Strength and Blue Economy.”

  • “Role of Women in the Armed Forces.”