Indian Navy Commissions INS Ikshak – 80% Indigenous Survey Vessel Strengthening Maritime Capabilities

In a significant boost to India’s maritime survey and defence capabilities, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Ikshak, the third of four large survey vessels built under the “Make in India” initiative. The commissioning ceremony took place today at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

INS Ikshak, an 80% indigenous hydrographic survey vessel, has been designed to conduct coastal and deep-sea mapping, collect oceanographic data, and aid in navigational charting. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Kattupalli, the vessel is a shining example of India’s growing naval industrial base.

The ship’s design was developed by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND), ensuring modern systems and high-end hydrographic technology. INS Ikshak is equipped for port and harbor surveys, marine environmental studies, search and rescue operations, and can also support disaster relief efforts in coastal regions.

INS Ikshak joins its sister ships – INS Sandhayak and INS Nirdeshak – which are already in service, further strengthening India’s capability in maritime domain awareness and hydrographic research across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The induction of INS Ikshak reflects the Navy’s steady progress toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), reinforcing indigenous design and production in the defence sector.