Singapore: In a significant demonstration of maritime diplomacy and regional cooperation, INS Sandhayak, India’s first indigenous Survey Vessel Large (SVL) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), arrived in Singapore on August 9, 2025, coinciding with Singapore’s National Day celebrations.
The ship’s visit marks a new chapter in strengthening hydrographic collaboration between the Indian Navy and Singapore’s maritime agencies, while also reaffirming India’s expanding leadership in maritime capability building and regional cooperation.
Symbolic Visit Strengthens Strategic Maritime Ties
INS Sandhayak’s port call is a part of India’s ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral naval cooperation with ASEAN partners and enhance interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region. This three-day visit focuses on technical and professional exchanges, and aims to facilitate sustained hydrographic support engagements between the two nations.
“The visit reaffirms India’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation and marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral hydrographic ties,” said an official statement from the Indian Navy.
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Hydrographic Diplomacy in Action
The visit showcases India’s increasing contributions to regional hydrographic capacity building, under the framework of the Indian Navy’s Hydrographic Department. With state-of-the-art hydrographic survey capabilities, INS Sandhayak is equipped to conduct both coastal and deep-sea surveys, and is also capable of undertaking Search and Rescue (SAR) and humanitarian operations, supported by an onboard helicopter and hospital facilities.
Commissioned in February 2024 in the presence of the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, the ship is a vital asset in India’s growing maritime influence and indigenous shipbuilding prowess.
Key Engagements During the Visit
Several high-level interactions and community engagement activities are planned during the ship’s stay in Singapore:
Call on Mr. Gary Chew, Assistant Chief Hydrographer of Singapore
Courtesy call on Colonel Chauah Meng Soon, Commander of the 9th Flotilla, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)
Visit by RSN personnel onboard INS Sandhayak to observe Indian Navy’s hydrographic capabilities
Community engagement, including ship visits for school children and families of officials from the High Commission of India (HCI)
These interactions aim to deepen understanding, build professional synergy, and encourage youth participation in maritime affairs.
Strategic Outlook: India’s Rising Role in Indo-Pacific Maritime Cooperation
INS Sandhayak’s maiden visit to Singapore aligns with India’s broader maritime vision of a Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific, and is a testament to India’s commitment to regional peace, collaboration, and technological sharing.
Through such visits, the Indian Navy not only extends its operational reach but also fosters goodwill and shared learning among partner nations, paving the way for more robust maritime domain awareness (MDA) and regional stability.
About GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is a premier shipbuilding PSU under the Ministry of Defence. Headquartered in Kolkata, GRSE is known for delivering a range of state-of-the-art warships, auxiliary vessels, and other maritime platforms for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The company plays a vital role in strengthening India’s maritime defence capability and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives in defence production.
