INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of Survey Vessel (Large) project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy, in a ceremony presided over by Raksha Rajya Mantri, Mr Sanjay Seth on 18 December 2024 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command hosted the commissioning ceremony marking the formal induction of the second of the four ships of Survey Vessel (Large) project under construction at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Kolkata. The ship is designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid in navigation, and support maritime operations.

“When our Survey Ships undertake missions in support of a friendly country, they epitomise what India believes in – helping a friend in need without asking for something in return. This would help in strengthening our bilateral ties and in opening up and promoting trade opportunities in the long term” said the RRM.

He further informed that the Survey Ships also act as a credible maritime diplomacy tool. Built with over 80% indigenous content, the ship is embedded with advanced hydrographic systems such as Multi Beam Echo Sounders, Side Scan Sonars, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) etc. These enable precise mapping for safe navigation and planning in deep-sea operations.

The vessel will contribute significantly to the Indian Ocean Region’s security and environmental health and strengthening India’s leadership in regional collaboration, scientific exploration, and peacekeeping missions. The ship will strengthen the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative by promoting shared maritime data with friendly foreign countries.