Indian Navy to get indigenously built large survey vessel on November 6
In this image released by Defence PRO on Aug. 14, 2025, Indian naval officials and others during the handing over of survey vessel ‘Ikshak’ by Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd to the navy
The Indian Navy’s indigenously built large survey vessel Ikshak is set to be commissioned at Naval Base, Kochi on November 6, bolstering the country’s pursuit of hydrographic excellence and indigenisation.
Through hydrographic survey, Indian Navy maps the seabed and water columns for creating nautical charts for navigation and supporting maritime activities like coastal regulation and resource management.
The ceremony will be presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, marking the formal induction of the third vessel in the survey vessel (Large) class. The INS Sutlej and INS Sarvekshak so far have been carrying out operational duties for the Navy.
As the third ship of her class, Ikshak’s induction underscores the Navy’s steadfast commitment to building advanced, state-of-the-art platforms, furthering the momentum of capability enhancement and self-reliance.
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 embodies over 80 per cent indigenous content, said Navy officials. The vessel stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between GRSE and MSMEs, reflecting growing aatmanirbharta.
Beyond her primary role of hydrographic survey operations, Ikshak is designed with dual-role capability, serving as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform and a hospital ship during emergencies.
Notably, Ikshak is also the first SVL ship with dedicated women-specific accommodation, reflecting the Indian Navy’s inclusive and progressive approach towards a future-ready fleet.
The ship’s name, ‘Ikshak’, meaning “The Guide”, aptly symbolises her mission – to chart the unknown, ensure safe passage for mariners, and strengthen India’s maritime power.
The Indian Navy’s survey vessels have been assisting other nations to carry out hydrographic survey. INS Sutlej arrived at Port Louis to undertake 18th Joint Hydrographic Survey at Mauritius on September 29.
Under this mission, conducted through the framework of long standing bilateral MoU on Hydrography signed between the two countries earlier this year, INS Sutlej will cover an extensive area of approximately 35,000 square nautical miles.
Published on October 27, 2025
