Did INS Sandhayak Conclude Its Malaysia Visit to Enhance Maritime Cooperation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- INS Sandhayak's visit signifies India’s commitment to maritime cooperation.
- The vessel enhances hydrographic capabilities through collaborative efforts.
- Key engagements took place with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
- Activities included expert exchanges and sports interactions.
- The visit showcased India's growing role in regional security.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) The Indian Navy's indigenously designed and constructed Survey Vessel (Large), INS Sandhayak, successfully wrapped up its inaugural three-day port visit at Port Klang, Malaysia, focusing on hydrographic cooperation, as reported by an official.
This historic visit aimed to promote technical exchanges and fortify institutional relationships through collaborative efforts, including the sharing of survey technologies and ongoing hydrographic support.
From July 16-19, various interactions took place with the Royal Malaysian Navy, aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation between India and Malaysia.
The visit highlighted India’s expanding role in regional hydrographic capacity building under the auspices of the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) and the National Hydrographic Office.
Upon arrival, INS Sandhayak received a warm reception in Malaysia, with the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur sharing a message on X to commemorate the event.
"The port call by INS Sandhayak to Malaysia was warmly welcomed by the Royal Malaysian Navy. From July 16-19, the ship anticipates productive engagements with the Royal Malaysian Navy, including visits to the National Hydrographic Centre, expert exchanges, sports interactions, and personnel cross-visits," noted the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur.
Key activities during the visit included extensive knowledge exchange sessions, official receptions, and events aimed at building international goodwill while enhancing awareness of the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation.
INS Sandhayak is the first of its kind in the indigenously designed Sandhayak-class hydrographic survey ship series.
INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025) was commissioned into the Indian Navy during a prestigious ceremony attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, on February 3, 2024.
This ship possesses full-scale coastal and deep-water surveying capabilities, oceanographic data collection, and is equipped for Search and Rescue (SAR) and humanitarian operations, complete with onboard helicopter and hospital functionalities.