Indian Navy Ikshak: The Indian Navy will commission it’s latest indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large), Ikshak, at the Naval Base in Kochi on November 6. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff will lead the ceremony. This marks the official entry of the vessel into active service from here on.
Self-Reliance
#IndianNavy’s indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large), Ikshak, set to be commissioned at Naval Base Kochi on 6th November 2025
The ceremony will be presided over by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, marking the formal induction of the vessel
The commissioning… pic.twitter.com/r0Q05dhOe3
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Ikshak is the third ship in its class and shows how far India has come in building its own modern naval ships. The Navy said the new vessel proves its focus on developing “advanced, state-of-the-art platforms” and pushing forward India’s goal of self-reliance in hydrographic capability.
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The ship was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata, under the guidance of the Directorate of Ship Production and the Warship Overseeing Team (Kolkata). More than 80% of the ship’s parts and systems are made in India.
The Ministry of Defence said in a statement that the ship “stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between GRSE and Indian MSMEs, proudly reflecting the spirit and strength of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” This shows how Indian shipyards and small industries are working together to strengthen the country’s naval power.
Indian Navy Ikshak: Design
Ikshak’s main work is to study and map the sea floor so ships can travel safely. It helps make good maps for sailors. But the ship is not only for surveys it has other tasks to do.
The Defence Ministry said, “Beyond her primary role in hydrographic survey operations, Ikshak is designed with dual-role capability, serving as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform and as a Hospital Ship during emergencies.” This means when there is a big disaster or accident, Ikshak can help save people and give them medical care too.
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Progress and Inclusion
One of Ikshak’s most special features is that it is the first SVL ship to have separate accommodation for women. This highlights the Indian Navy’s goal of building a modern, inclusive fleet that is ready for the future.
