On August 14, 2025, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, a leading defence PSU, delivered the Survey Vessel ‘Ikshak’ to the Indian Navy in Kolkata.
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Ikshak, meaning guide, is the third ship in a series of four Sandhayak-class Survey Vessels (Large) being built by GRSE.
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These Sandhayak-class SVLs are the largest survey vessels ever built in India, designed to carry out hydrographic surveys, oceanographic research, and provide support in defence operations.
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Earlier deliveries:
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INS Sandhayak – December 4, 2023
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INS Nirdeshak – October 8, 2024
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The final vessel of the series is expected to be delivered in 2026.
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This achievement strengthens India’s self-reliance in shipbuilding under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
📝 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Question 1:
Which defence PSU delivered the survey vessel ‘Ikshak’ to the Indian Navy in August 2025?
A) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
B) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL)
C) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE)
D) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Answer: C) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE)
Explanation: GRSE, a premier defence PSU based in Kolkata, is building the series of four Sandhayak-class survey vessels for the Indian Navy, with ‘Ikshak’ being the third.
Question 2:
What is the meaning of the name ‘Ikshak’?
A) Protector
B) Guide
C) Leader
D) Vision
Answer: B) Guide
Explanation: The word ‘Ikshak’ translates to guide, reflecting the ship’s role in conducting surveys and guiding naval navigation and hydrographic operations.
Question 3:
Which was the first ship of the Sandhayak-class delivered to the Indian Navy?
A) INS Ikshak
B) INS Nirdeshak
C) INS Sandhayak
D) INS Darshak
Answer: C) INS Sandhayak
Explanation: The first Sandhayak-class survey vessel, INS Sandhayak, was delivered on December 4, 2023. It was followed by INS Nirdeshak in October 2024, and now Ikshak in August 2025.
Question 4:
What is the primary purpose of Sandhayak-class survey vessels?
A) Anti-submarine warfare
B) Hydrographic surveys and oceanographic research
C) Aircraft carrier operations
D) Submarine building
Answer: B) Hydrographic surveys and oceanographic research
Explanation: Sandhayak-class survey vessels are designed to carry out hydrographic mapping, oceanographic studies, and coastal defence support, which are vital for naval navigation and strategic operations.
Question 5:
Under which government initiative does the construction of Sandhayak-class vessels align?
A) Digital India
B) Skill India
C) Atmanirbhar Bharat
D) Make in India (Automobiles)
Answer: C) Atmanirbhar Bharat
Explanation: The Sandhayak-class survey vessels are indigenously designed and built, strengthening India’s defence self-reliance as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision.
