Indian Navy Commissions INS Ikshak in Kochi

On 6th November 2025, the Indian Navy formally commissioned its hydrographic survey vessel INS Ikshak into service at the Naval Base in Kochi, marking another milestone in India’s growing maritime capabilities and self-reliance in shipbuilding.

INS Ikshak is the third vessel in the series of four Survey Vessel (Large) class ships and is the first among them to be based at the Southern Naval Command, which serves as the Navy’s training command and a key hub for maritime operations.
Developed under the Make in India initiative, the vessel stands as a testament to India’s advancing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, reflecting the nation’s increasing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maritime infrastructure.
The name ‘Ikshak’, meaning ‘Guide’ in Sanskrit, aptly symbolizes the ship’s mission and purpose — to guide and ensure safe navigation by conducting high-precision hydrographic surveys that are critical for maritime safety and route planning.