INS Sandhayak Docks in Malaysia to Boost Maritime Cooperation.
Defence
INS Sandhayak, India’s indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL), made its maiden hydrographic mission to Malaysia from July 16–19, 2025, docking at Port Klang. This marks the first-ever visit by an Indian hydrographic ship, strengthening bilateral maritime and technical cooperation in Southeast Asia.
- INS Sandhayak’s visit emphasized hydrographic cooperation between India and Malaysia through joint technical exchanges, including the sharing of survey technologies and hydrographic data. It strengthened institutional ties between the Indian Navy Hydrographic Department (INHD) and Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Centre under the Indian Navy’s broader diplomatic outreach.
- Commissioned in February 2024, INS Sandhayak is the lead ship of the Sandhayak-class SVL (Survey Vessel – Large) series built by GRSE – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, Kolkata. It supports coastal and deep-sea surveys, oceanographic research, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, disaster support, and has onboard hospital and helicopter landing capabilities.
Main Point :- (i) The vessel displaces approximately 3,300 tonnes, measures 110 meters in length, and cruises at 16 knots (maximum 18+ knots), with an endurance of 6,500 nautical miles. It is equipped with Multibeam Echo Sounders (MBES), Side-Scan Sonars, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), and digital data processing systems.
(ii) The mission aligns with India’s "MAHASAGAR" (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) framework. The ship hosted onboard receptions, crew exchanges, and academic outreach for Malaysian cadets, emphasizing naval diplomacy and strengthening links between the Indian Navy and Malaysian maritime forces.
(iii) This first-of-its-kind visit reinforces India’s growing strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific under the Act East Policy. It supports the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative by showcasing indigenous maritime capabilities and enhancing India’s leadership in regional hydrographic cooperation.
About Malaysia
Prime minister: Anwar Ibrahim
Capital: Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
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