Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh oversaw the commissioning of INS Sandhayak, the Indian Navy’s inaugural large survey vessel, in a ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) base in Visakhapatnam on February 3.
During his address to the attendees, Singh emphasized the significance of the vessel in enhancing India’s stature as a powerhouse in the Indo-Pacific region.
INS Sandhayak’s primary function is to conduct comprehensive hydrographic surveys of ports, harbors, navigational routes, coastal zones, and deep seas to facilitate safe marine navigation. Singh highlighted the importance of oceanic exploration in bolstering national security and achieving strategic objectives, emphasizing the need to understand the ocean’s ecology and maritime dynamics.
Singh also discussed the security challenges posed by piracy and smuggling in the Indian Ocean, stressing India’s commitment to combating such threats and ensuring the safety of maritime trade routes. He commended the Indian Navy for its swift response to piracy incidents and its efforts in safeguarding international shipping lanes.
In his remarks, Singh reiterated India’s determination to curb illegal fishing, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling in the region. He praised the Indian Navy’s role in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific regions, underscoring INS Sandhayak’s pivotal role in advancing these objectives.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar described the commissioning ceremony as a milestone in the Indian Navy’s Survey Vessel Large (SVL) Project, highlighting the ship’s advanced hydrographic capabilities and indigenous design. He elaborated on the vessel’s technical specifications and emphasized its contribution to maritime security and oceanic research.
INS Sandhayak, which translates to “one who carries out a special search,” symbolizes the Navy’s commitment to exploring and charting the oceans. Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment and propelled by powerful diesel engines, the ship represents a collaborative effort between the Indian Navy and the domestic industry, including MSMEs, showcasing India’s self-reliance in naval technology.
