Context:
INS Ikshak, the third of the Survey Vessel Large (SVL), was commissioned into the Indian Navy in a ceremonial event at Naval Base, Kochi on 06 Nov 2025. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi presided over the induction ceremony.
Ikshak will enhance the Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey capabilities along with the third vessel of the Survey Vessel class and the first to be based at the Southern Naval Command.
This momentous occasion marked the formal induction of INS Ikshak, reflecting the Indian Navy’s steadfast commitment to enhancing its hydrographic and maritime capabilities. INS Ikshak is a symbol of India’s maritime confidence and technological self-reliance.
Key Highlights:
Role & Capability
- The vessel is designed to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels. The data generated will be vital for ensuring safe navigation at sea, strengthening India’s maritime safety framework.
• Named after the Sanskrit word for ‘Guide’, the ship is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic tools, including multi-beam sonars and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles.
• Its main role will be to conduct full-scale coastal and deep-water surveys to ensure safe navigation for all maritime traffic.
Design & Modernity
INS Ikshak is a testament to effective collaboration between the Indian Navy, Indian industries, and MSMEs—an embodiment of the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic systems, as well as helicopter support, the ship offers unmatched operational versatility with a dual-role capability—serving both as a survey vessel and a platform for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations or as a hospital ship when required.
Notably, Ikshak is the first SVL designed with dedicated women’s accommodation, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to inclusivity and modernisation.
Its induction significantly augments India’s hydrographic survey capability and indigenous shipbuilding capacity. INS Ikshak is poised to chart uncharted waters, enhance maritime safety, and reinforce national security across vital sea lanes.
The CNS highlighted the ship’s pivotal role in advancing India’s maritime interests and strategic reach.
Relevant Mains Points
- Hydrographic capability → critical for maritime safety + navigational charting
• Naval hydrography → element of maritime domain awareness
• Survey vessels support → SLOC safety / port access / harbour expansion / SAGAR vision
• Indigenous shipbuilding → MSME + private integration → Navy–industry synergy
• Gender mainstreaming: women accommodation → modernisation ethics within armed forces
UPSC Relevance: - GS-3 → Internal security / Defence modernisation / Maritime security
• Essay → Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production
• Prelims → Naval ships / SAGAR / hydrography / IOR maritime safety