By A Correspondent

Kochi: The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Ikshak, the third ship of the indigenously designed Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) class, at a ceremonial event held at the Naval Base in Kochi on Nov. 6, 2025.

The commissioning, presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, marks a major milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) at Kolkata, INS Ikshak reflects over 80% indigenous content by cost and is constructed entirely using Indian steel from SAIL.

The ship joins sister vessels INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak, significantly enhancing the Navy’s hydrographic survey and maritime mapping capabilities.

During the ceremony, Admiral Tripathi described INS Ikshak as a “testament to the effective collaboration between the Navy, Indian industries, and MSMEs,” emphasising that it represents “India’s transition from a buyer’s navy to a builder’s navy.”

The event began with the reading of the Commissioning Warrant by INS Ikshak’s Commanding Officer Captain Tribhuvan Singh, followed by the hoisting of the Naval Ensign, the national anthem, and a ceremonial salute by the Colour Guard.

The Commissioning Plaque was unveiled by the CNS, signifying the ship’s formal induction into operational service.

Captain Singh noted that INS Ikshak “will survey the deep oceans and uncharted waters to guide all mariners to safe passage.”

“The ship is a shining example of indigenisation, and the crew is ready to produce world-class hydrographic charts to enhance maritime safety across the Indian Ocean region,” he added.

Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic systems, helicopter support, and a dual-role configuration, INS Ikshak can serve as a survey vessel in peacetime and convert into a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) or hospital ship during emergencies.

It is also the first SVL ship designed with dedicated women’s accommodation, underlining the Navy’s growing commitment to gender inclusivity and modernisation.

Admiral Tripathi, in his address, said that the maritime domain is undergoing “a profound transformation driven by geopolitics, technology, and tactics,” adding that “India’s Navy stands as a steady lighthouse amid turbulent global seas.”

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he remarked, “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.”

Highlighting the strategic role of survey ships, the CNS said, “These vessels make the seas knowable, navigable, and safe — not only for India but also for our maritime partners.” He added that Indian survey ships had rendered hydrographic assistance to nations like Mauritius and Vietnam in recent years.

Following the ceremony, the Navy Chief toured various sections of the ship, interacting with GRSE officials and the commissioning crew. He lauded their “professionalism, dedication, and contribution” to building a vessel that exemplifies India’s growing naval capability and industrial self-reliance.

The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning “The Guide”, aptly reflects the ship’s mission: to chart uncharted waters, enhance maritime safety, and reinforce India’s strategic presence across critical sea lanes.

With the commissioning of INS Ikshak, the tenth naval platform commissioned in 2025, the Indian Navy continues to expand its reach and readiness, strengthening its position as a first responder and preferred security partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

NOTE: Follow Defence.Capital on Arattai.
NOTE: Follow Defence.Capital on Telegram.
NOTE: Follow Defence.Capital on WhatsApp.