JULY 19: In a significant demonstration of India’s commitment to regional maritime collaboration and hydrographic diplomacy, the Indian Navy’s INS Sandhayak, the first indigenously designed and constructed Survey Vessel Large (SVL), made its maiden overseas port call at Port Klang, Malaysia, from 16 to 19 July 2025.
The visit highlights India’s expanding role in regional hydrographic capacity building and its ongoing efforts under the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD) and the National Hydrographic Office (NHO) framework to enhance maritime domain awareness and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Commissioned in February 2024, INS Sandhayak is the lead ship of the Sandhayak-class survey vessels. Built in India as part of the country’s indigenous naval capability enhancement, the ship is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic and oceanographic survey systems, deep and coastal water surveying capabilities, and can perform a range of operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR), disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance, supported by its onboard helicopter and medical facilities.
The Port Klang visit was aimed at fostering technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and institutional engagement between the Indian Navy and its Malaysian counterparts. Key activities during the port call included interactive knowledge sessions, official receptions, and other goodwill events designed to enhance mutual understanding and shared learning.
This engagement also provided an opportunity to promote India’s strategic MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision—emphasizing inclusive and collaborative growth across the maritime neighborhood.
Through such visits, India reiterates its role as a reliable maritime partner and its readiness to extend sustained hydrographic support to friendly nations in the region. It also aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy that prioritizes freedom of navigation, regional security, and blue economy cooperation.
The successful visit of INS Sandhayak to Malaysia serves as a landmark step in boosting maritime ties, enhancing regional hydrographic collaboration, and reinforcing India’s image as a leader in indigenous defense innovation and regional outreach.
){kind=link}