Bengaluru, July 19, 2025 — In a major step toward strengthening regional maritime partnerships, the Indian Navy’s indigenously designed and built Survey Vessel Large (SVL), INS Sandhayak, arrived at Port Klang, Malaysia, for its first-ever foreign port visit from July 16 to 19, 2025. This strategic visit underscores India’s expanding role in regional hydrographic collaboration and maritime security under the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD).
A Landmark in Indigenous Naval Capability
Commissioned in February 2024, INS Sandhayak is the lead ship of the Sandhayak-class hydrographic survey vessels, developed under the Make in India initiative. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the ship boasts advanced capabilities in coastal and deep-sea hydrographic surveying, oceanographic data collection, and is equipped for search and rescue (SAR) and humanitarian assistance missions.
The vessel is also fitted with a helicopter deck and onboard medical facilities, making it a versatile platform for both military and civil missions.
Hydrographic Diplomacy in Action
The visit to Port Klang serves as a platform for technical exchange and hydrographic cooperation between India and Malaysia. India has been at the forefront of capacity building in hydrography for smaller and friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and this visit marks a continuation of that commitment.
“INS Sandhayak’s port call signifies our growing leadership in hydrographic support and maritime domain awareness,” said a senior Indian Navy official.
Key Events and Collaborations
During its stay, the crew of INS Sandhayak participated in multiple high-level activities, including:
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Technical knowledge-sharing sessions with Malaysian naval and maritime authorities
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Official receptions and cultural engagements to foster people-to-people ties
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Dialogues on survey technology and oceanographic best practices
These engagements were aimed at strengthening institutional linkages and enhancing interoperability in regional hydrographic missions.
MAHASAGAR Vision in Focus
The port call also aimed to promote India’s broader strategic maritime vision under MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The initiative emphasizes inclusive growth, shared maritime responsibility, and the peaceful use of maritime spaces across the Indo-Pacific.
The visit thus reaffirmed India’s dedication to regional maritime cooperation, promoting trust and collaboration in a crucial geostrategic region.
India’s Expanding Maritime Footprint
India’s naval diplomacy has grown significantly in recent years through bilateral naval exercises, hydrographic assistance, and capacity building efforts. The maiden foreign deployment of INS Sandhayak adds momentum to this trend, signaling India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Indian Navy continues to actively support regional stability by offering survey assistance, training, and technological support to friendly nations.
Conclusion
INS Sandhayak’s historic visit to Malaysia is not only a milestone for India’s indigenous naval capabilities but also a reflection of India’s unwavering commitment to regional peace, progress, and maritime cooperation. As maritime challenges grow more complex, such initiatives will play a pivotal role in strengthening collective resilience and ensuring a safe, secure, and stable Indo-Pacific.
Source: PIB
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