India Commissions First Survey Vessel Large Ship, INS Sandhayak, Strengthening Naval Capabilities

In a historic ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, India, on February 3, 2024, the Indian Navy commissioned its first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship, INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025), in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The SVL ship is dedicated to carrying out extensive hydrographic surveys of ports, harbors, navigational routes, coastal areas, and deep seas, enhancing marine navigation safety. Additionally, it possesses the capability to undertake various naval operations in its secondary role.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the significance of the event, stating that INS Sandhayak would further solidify India's position as a superpower in the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to peace and security. He likened a country's development and self-reliance in security to the growth of an individual, emphasizing India's journey towards self-sufficiency.

The Raksha Mantri praised the Indian Navy for its role in safeguarding trade routes in the Indian Ocean, particularly from piracy threats, and affirmed that maritime piracy and smuggling would not be tolerated, reflecting the pledge of "New India." He also stressed India's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation, trade, and a rules-based world order.

Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, highlighted the government's emphasis on ocean survey capabilities and the Navy's commitment to indigenously constructing state-of-the-art platforms. He noted that the majority of ships and submarines are being built in Indian shipyards, contributing significantly to the nation's shipbuilding capacity.

INS Sandhayak is equipped with advanced hydrographic equipment and boasts an indigenous content of over 80%, showcasing collaboration between the Indian Navy and industry, including MSMEs. The ship's commissioning reflects India's growing maritime interests and capabilities, underscoring its expertise in warship design and construction.