Union MoS Commissions Survey Ship in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Nirdeshak, a cutting-edge Survey Vessel (large), marking another milestone in the country's maritime capabilities. The commissioning ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Naval Dockyard here, presided over by Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth.

The vessel, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, represents a significant achievement in indigenous shipbuilding. Over 80 per cent of its content was sourced domestically.

INS Nirdeshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic systems, including multi-beam echo sounders, side scan sonars, autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles, enabling precise oceanic mapping and data collection.

Sanjay Seth said the survey ships served as a powerful instrument of maritime diplomacy. “When these ships undertake missions to support friendly countries, they embody India's core diplomatic philosophy of unconditional assistance. By providing support without expecting immediate returns, these vessels can forge stronger bilateral relationships and potentially create long-term trade opportunities.”

Moreover, these new survey ships enhance India's maritime capabilities, with foreign naval forces increasingly seeking hydrographic cooperation with the Indian Navy, he said.

Vice Admiral and flag officer commanding-in-chief of the Eastern Naval Command Rajesh Pendharkar said INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of the survey vessel large project, represented a state-of-the-art addition to the fleet. “The vessel is a testament to India's commitment to self-reliance in shipbuilding, showcasing Indigenous design and construction capabilities.”

It is designed to perform a wide range of hydrographic surveys in both coastal and deep waters and can also be mobilized for humanitarian assistance or as a hospital ship.

He commended GRSE for its growth and capability in building complex naval vessels and acknowledged the contributions of various teams involved in bringing INS Nirdeshak to fruition. He praised the commissioning crew for achieving a high state of readiness upon commissioning.

The ship boasts over 80 per cent indigenous content, reaffirming India’s expertise in ship design and construction and the Indian Navy’s trust in Aatmanirbharta. The 110-metre-long vessel, with a displacement of approximately 3800 tonnes, is powered by two diesel engines and can accommodate 230 crew members.