Defence Minister Commissions INS Sandhayak into the Indian Navy

On February 3, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh officially commissioned INS Sandhayak, the Indian Navy's first large survey vessel, in a ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) base. Singh emphasized that the addition of this ship would enhance India's standing as a superpower in the Indo-Pacific region.

Highlighting the security dynamics of the nation, Singh identified the Indian Ocean as a critical hub for global trade. He underscored the presence of choke points such as the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Guinea in the Indian Ocean, where significant international trade flows, accompanied by various threats, including piracy. Singh commended the Indian Navy for its swift and courageous responses to thwart hijack attempts on Merchant Vessels in the Arabian Sea and the successful rescue of ships from pirates.

Singh praised the Indian Navy for providing security to friendly nations, citing recent incidents such as the drone attack on a British ship in the Gulf of Aden. He commended the Navy for preventing piracy attempts, aiding ships attacked by drones and missiles, and rescuing 80 fishermen in recent days.

The primary role of INS Sandhayak is to conduct comprehensive hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, navigational channels, routes, coastal areas, and deep seas, contributing to safe marine navigation. This vessel plays a crucial role in acquiring oceanic information, serving the dual purpose of safeguarding the nation and supporting others.

During the commissioning ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar highlighted that it marked the formal induction of the first ship in the SVL Project, part of the four vessels under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy led the project.

Admiral Hari Kumar explained that 'Sandhayak' means the one who carries out a special search, as reflected in the crest depicting the sixteen points of a mariner's compass, a divider, and an anchor riding the sea. This symbolism represents the survey ship's fundamental role in charting oceans.

INS Sandhayak is equipped with advanced hydrographic tools, including deep and shallow water multi-beam echo-sounders, an autonomous underwater vehicle, a remotely operated vehicle, side scan sonars, data acquisition and processing systems, satellite-based positioning systems, and terrestrial survey equipment. The ship, propelled by two diesel engines, can achieve speeds exceeding 18 knots and boasts an indigenous content of over 80% by cost, a testament to collaborative efforts between the Indian Navy and industry, including MSMEs, according to Admiral Hari Kumar.