🇮🇳 Ikshak Sets Sail: India Strengthens Maritime Self-Reliance with Commissioning of Indigenous Survey Vessel in Kochi

A Milestone in India’s Maritime Journey

On December 6, 2025, the Indian Navy will mark another proud chapter in its quest for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) when it commissions the Survey Vessel (Large) Ikshak at the Naval Base, Kochi. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to nurturing indigenous design and construction capabilities.

The induction of Ikshak highlights India’s growing capacity to build complex, multi-role naval platforms that not only strengthen maritime defence but also extend humanitarian support and regional cooperation.

Built by Indian Hands, for Indian Seas

Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata, one of India’s premier defence shipyards, Ikshak is part of a series of indigenously designed survey vessels built under the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

The ship’s design integrates cutting-edge navigation, hydrographic, and communication systems, enabling it to conduct high-precision surveys of ports, coastal waters, and the expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These surveys form the foundation for maritime navigation, resource mapping, and national security planning.

Dual Role: Strength in Service and Compassion in Crisis

Beyond its primary mission of hydrographic and oceanographic surveying, Ikshak has been designed to play a vital humanitarian role. The vessel can be rapidly converted into a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) platform, serving as a lifeline during natural calamities such as cyclones, tsunamis, or floods.

Its medical infrastructure allows it to function as a fully equipped hospital ship during emergencies—bringing care, shelter, and rescue operations directly to affected coastal communities or maritime zones.

This dual capability makes Ikshak not just a tool of defence but a symbol of India’s humanitarian spirit on the seas.

Empowering Women at Sea

One of Ikshak’s most noteworthy milestones is its inclusive design — it is the first Survey (Large) class vessel with dedicated accommodation for women officers and sailors.

This reflects the Indian Navy’s evolving ethos of gender inclusion, empowering women to serve in diverse operational and leadership roles at sea. By incorporating these features into the vessel’s design, the Navy sends a clear message — that the future of maritime defence will be defined not just by advanced technology, but by equality and opportunity.

Driving Atmanirbhar Bharat at Sea

The commissioning of Ikshak reinforces India’s strategic vision to become a global maritime power built on indigenous technology and capability.

Each component — from hull design to onboard systems — represents Indian innovation and industrial collaboration. GRSE’s success with Ikshak is also a testament to India’s rapidly maturing defence manufacturing ecosystem, capable of meeting global standards in efficiency, sustainability, and performance.

This achievement adds to a growing list of indigenous naval projects, including stealth frigates, patrol vessels, and submarines — collectively contributing to India’s blue-water ambitions and maritime security architecture.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger, Safer, Self-Reliant Future

As Ikshak joins the Indian Navy’s fleet, it carries with it not just modern technology, but also the spirit of national pride, resilience, and responsibility.

From defending maritime frontiers to aiding those in distress, Ikshak stands as a reminder that India’s naval power is not measured merely in might — but also in compassion, inclusivity, and innovation.

The commissioning of this indigenous vessel signals a powerful message:

India’s oceans are not just routes of commerce — they are frontiers of capability, self-reliance, and service to humanity.