In a significant stride towards enhancing its maritime security and self-reliance, the Indian Navy will formally commission the survey vessel Ikshak into its fleet today at a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Kochi. The event will be presided over by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, marking the vessel's official entry into active service.
The Ikshak, which translates to "Guide" in Sanskrit, is the third of four Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) ships built under the Indian Navy’s ambitious project. The Ministry of Defence has highlighted that this vessel is a testament to India's growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding, aligning with the national vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).
In an official statement, the Ministry said, "Ikshak stands as a shining example of India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding." It further elaborated on the significance of its name, adding, "the name ‘Ikshak’, meaning ‘Guide’ in Sanskrit, aptly defines the ship’s role as a sentinel of precision and purpose."
The primary role of the Ikshak will be to significantly enhance the Indian Navy's hydrographic survey capabilities. As the first of the SVL ships to be based at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, it is strategically positioned to oversee crucial sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region.
The vessel is specifically designed to undertake comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports, harbours, and navigational channels. The high-quality data collected by its advanced systems will be vital for creating and updating navigational charts, ensuring the safe passage of both commercial and naval vessels. This function is critical for strengthening India’s maritime safety framework and supports broader activities like resource exploration, oceanography, and the laying of submarine cables.
The commissioning of the Ikshak not only adds a potent asset to the Navy's survey fleet but also reinforces India's commitment to securing its maritime domain through indigenously built, cutting-edge technology. Its entry into service underscores the Navy's focused approach on maintaining a precise and accurate picture of the undersea environment, a crucial element for national security and economic prosperity.
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