New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) INS Ikshak, the third vessel from the Survey Vessel Large (SVL) class, was officially inducted into the Indian Navy during a ceremonial event held at the Naval Base in Kochi on Thursday. This significant occasion was led by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.

The commissioning of INS Ikshak, an indigenously designed and constructed Survey Vessel (Large), signifies the Navy’s 10th commissioning this year.

Referring to INS Ikshak as a “symbol of India’s maritime confidence and technological self-reliance,” the Navy Chief highlighted that the vessel epitomizes the shift from a Buyer’s Navy to a Builder’s Navy.

Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the ship boasts almost 80 percent indigenous content, showcasing the achievements of India's self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

In light of escalating geopolitical rivalry at sea, the Navy Chief remarked, “When the global seas are turbulent, the world seeks a steady lighthouse — India is ready to fulfill that role with resilience and assurance.”

He emphasized the Navy’s growing regional outreach, mentioning that Indian survey vessels have recently provided hydrographic support to Mauritius and Vietnam and that INS Sandhayak’s successful mission to Southeast Asia demonstrated India’s maritime prowess.

Highlighting the strategic significance of accurate hydrographic data, he stated that survey vessels like INS Ikshak render “the seas knowable, navigable, and safe,” thereby fostering regional cooperation.

Extending his congratulations to GRSE, the designers, and the ship's commissioning crew, he encouraged them to embrace Ikshak’s motto — “Nirbhay Veer Pathpradarshak (Fearless, Brave, and a Pathfinder)” — as they navigate toward safer seas for India and the region.

Notably, Ikshak is the first SVL designed with dedicated accommodations for women, highlighting the Navy’s commitment to inclusivity and modernization. Its induction significantly enhances India’s hydrographic survey capabilities and indigenous shipbuilding capacity.

After the commissioning ceremony, the Navy Chief toured various sections of the ship, where he received updates on the construction journey and the integration of indigenous systems.

He also interacted with the commissioning crew and officials from GRSE, praising their professionalism, dedication, and contributions to the successful induction of INS Ikshak into the Indian Navy.