Indian Navy to Commission INS Ikshak: Nation’s First Gender-Inclusive Survey Ship

The Indian Navy is preparing to commission INS Ikshak, an indigenously developed Survey Vessel (Large), at the Kochi Naval Base on November 6, 2025. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) with more than 80% indigenous components, Ikshak represents Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.

INS Ikshak has dual operational capabilities, functioning both as a hydrographic survey vessel and as a humanitarian aid and hospital ship during disaster relief missions. It is also the first ship in its class designed with separate accommodation for women officers, reflecting the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender inclusion and modernization.