INS Ikshak: Bharat’s Cutting-Edge Survey Vessel Steering Maritime Self-Reliance

Paromita Das

New Delhi, 8th  November:  Bharat’s pursuit of maritime self-reliance achieved a significant milestone on November 6, 2025, with the commissioning of INS Ikshak, the Indian Navy’s latest Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL], at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. Representing the third ship in this indigenous class, Ikshak symbolizes more than just a naval asset; it embodies Bharat’s technological innovation and strategic foresight in securing its vast and critical maritime frontiers.

A Milestone in Naval Modernization

The commissioning ceremony, overseen by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, underscored the critical role INS Ikshak will play in advancing the Navy’s hydrographic and oceanographic capabilities. Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, under a Rs 2,435 crore project, Ikshak epitomizes the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, boasting over 80% indigenous content.

The vessel’s name, drawn from Sanskrit meaning “Guide”, perfectly encapsulates its mission: to lead Bharat’s hydrographic surveys with precision and purpose. Following the footsteps of its predecessors INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak, commissioned in 2021 and 2023 respectively, Ikshak amplifies the Navy’s ability to map coastal waters and deep-sea regions with unprecedented accuracy.

Technological Marvel Rooted in Bharatiya Engineering

At 110 metres in length and displacing approximately 3,400 tonnes, INS Ikshak is a standout example of modern maritime engineering. With a crew of 231, the ship is equipped with cutting-edge survey equipment, including a high-resolution multi-beam echo sounder, an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and four Survey Motor Boats (SMBs).

Its helicopter deck broadens operational reach, allowing aerial surveys and multi-domain coordination. The vessel’s design prioritizes endurance and versatility, empowering it to perform a variety of roles beyond number-crunching oceanographic data: from search and rescue missions to serving as a hospital ship during humanitarian crises.

INS Ikshak is not only a testament to technological prowess but also to the collaborative strength of Bharatiya Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) integrated into the ship’s construction—reinforcing the nation’s push toward self-reliance and defense-industry growth.

Strategic and Economic Importance of Hydrographic Surveying

Hydrographic surveys are indispensable to safeguarding Bharat’s maritime interests. INS Ikshak’s mission to provide accurate nautical charts is vital not only for the safe navigation of both commercial and military vessels but also for coastal development, disaster management, and exploration of marine resources in Bharat’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

By actively mapping the seafloor depths and boundaries, the vessel supports Bharat’s claims over maritime territories and contributes to the enforcement of maritime laws and security frameworks across the Bharatiya Ocean Region. This operational capability has direct ramifications on Bharat’s regional influence and economic progress through the Blue Economy initiative.

Charting Future-Ready Maritime Dominance

The commissioning of INS Ikshak fits into a larger vision for the Indian Navy, which includes the induction of Next-Generation Survey Vessels approved in 2023 to strengthen hydrographic capabilities further. These steps ensure Bharat stays ahead in maritime innovation and retains unmatched regional maritime security leadership.

A Beacon of National Pride and Strategic Foresight

INS Ikshak stands as a potent symbol of Bharat’s naval modernization and आत्मनिर्भर भारत (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), representing the intertwined goals of indigenous technological advancement and strategic autonomy. Beyond its immediate utility in hydrographic surveys, the ship is a metaphoric guide for Bharat’s aspirations to become a dominant maritime power.

The Navy’s emphasis on instrumentalizing indigenous content and MSME participation also signals a transformative shift—moving away from reliance on foreign suppliers toward a self-sustaining defense ecosystem. This aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a stronger, self-reliant Bharat that commands its destiny across land, air, and sea.

By commissioning INS Ikshak, Bharat not only advances its oceanographic capability but also makes a bold statement about national pride and intent: to protect its maritime boundaries, enhance regional safety, and pioneer sustainable marine development. With ships like Ikshak, Bharat charts a confident course toward maritime supremacy and technological excellence.