Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Indian Navy Commissions Indigenous Survey Ship INS Ikshak
The Indian Navy has a new ship called INS Ikshak, which is like a special mapmaker for the sea.
Its job is to explore and chart the ocean floor and waterways to make sure other ships can travel safely.
Ikshak is special because it was built mostly in India, helping the country become more self-sufficient in making advanced technology.
It has advanced tools like underwater robots and even a spot for a helicopter to help with its missions.
This new ship will be based in Southern India and will help protect the country's coastlines by providing accurate maps of its waters.
The Indian Navy is commissioning INS Ikshak, its third Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class ship.
INS Ikshak boasts over 80% indigenous content, supporting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
The vessel is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic equipment, including AUVs and ROVs for deep-water and coastal surveys.
INS Ikshak will be based at the Southern Naval Command to enhance maritime safety and charting infrastructure.
The ship's name, 'Ikshak' (meaning 'Guide'), reflects its role in ensuring safe navigation and charting India's maritime frontiers.
- Who
- The Indian Navy
- What
- Commissioning of INS Ikshak, the third Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class ship
- When
- November 6, 2025
- Where
- Naval Base Kochi
- Why
- To bolster hydrographic survey capabilities, ensure safe navigation, strengthen maritime safety, and support indigenous shipbuilding under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
Arguments for Indigenous Shipbuilding
Potential Concerns or Counterarguments
National Self-Reliance
Arguments for Indigenous Shipbuilding
Building INS Ikshak with over 80% indigenous content supports the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and strengthens India's self-reliance in shipbuilding.
Potential Concerns or Counterarguments
While positive, focusing solely on indigenous content might lead to longer development times or potentially higher costs compared to sourcing advanced components internationally.
Technological Advancement
Arguments for Indigenous Shipbuilding
The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic equipment, including AUVs and ROVs, showcasing India's growing technological capabilities.
Potential Concerns or Counterarguments
Maintaining a technological edge with advanced survey equipment comparable to global standards requires continuous investment and development, which could be a challenge.
- Vessel Name
- INS Ikshak
- Class
- Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL]
- Builder
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd., Kolkata
- Indigenous Content
- Over 80%
- Commissioning Officer
- Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
- Commissioning Date
- Thursday (November 6, 2025)
- Commissioning Location
- Naval Base Kochi
- Home Port
- Southern Naval Command
Sources
Indian Navy to commission indigenously built ‘INS Ikshak’ to boost hydrographic survey capabilities
INS Ikshak set to join Indian Navy fleet, boosting hydrographic survey capabilities
Indian Navy To Commission 'Ikshak,' '80% Indigenous' Survey Vessel
Made in India: Navy set to induct 80% indigenous survey vessel ‘Ikshak’
