The Indian Navy is set to commission ‘Ikshak’, the third Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL), at Naval Base Kochi on November 6, in a ceremony to be presided over by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The commissioning marks another significant milestone in India’s pursuit of maritime self-reliance and technological advancement.
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 features over 80% indigenous content, showcasing the success of collaboration between GRSE and India’s network of MSMEs. The vessel stands as a proud symbol of the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, highlighting India’s growing capability in designing and building advanced naval platforms.
As the third ship in the SVL series, Ikshak continues the Navy’s focus on developing sophisticated survey platforms to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. The vessel is equipped with modern survey instruments and cutting-edge technology, enabling high-precision hydrographic surveys that contribute to maritime safety and navigation.
Beyond its core hydrographic role, Ikshak is built with dual-role functionality — it can serve as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform and be configured as a Hospital Ship during emergencies. This versatility underscores the Navy’s commitment to supporting not only defence preparedness but also humanitarian missions and national disaster response operations.
In a notable first, Ikshak is the first SVL ship to feature dedicated accommodation for women personnel, reflecting the Indian Navy’s progressive and inclusive vision for a gender-diverse and future-ready fleet.
The ship’s name, Ikshak — meaning “The Guide” — aptly captures its mission: to chart the unknown, ensure safe navigation for mariners, and strengthen India’s maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The commissioning of Ikshak follows the induction of her sister ships, Sandhayak and Nirdeshak, and reinforces the Indian Navy’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding and technological self-reliance. The Survey Vessel (Large) class plays a crucial role in supporting naval operations, conducting oceanographic research, and enhancing India’s hydrographic data network — vital for both defence and commercial maritime interests.
With Ikshak joining the fleet, the Indian Navy continues to expand its state-of-the-art survey capabilities, charting a clear path toward a self-reliant and modern maritime force.