The Indian Navy is set to welcome its newest vessel, INS Nirdeshak, in a commissioning ceremony on Wednesday at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The event will be presided over by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.
According to the Ministry of Defence, INS Nirdeshak is the second ship under the Survey Vessel (Large) Project, constructed at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Notably, over 80% of the vessel’s components are indigenously produced, reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The ship pays tribute to its predecessor, the original Nirdeshak, which served the Indian Navy for 32 years before being decommissioned in 2014. The new vessel is designed to carry forward the legacy, boasting advanced operational capabilities, including an endurance of 25 days at sea and a top speed exceeding 18 knots.
The Ministry of Defence highlighted that the commissioning of INS Nirdeshak is a significant step in modernising the Indian Navy’s hydrographic fleet. The ship will also bolster the nation’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, aligning with India’s strategic focus on regional security and scientific exploration.
The ceremony will be hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, and will be attended by senior naval officials, representatives from GRSE, and other dignitaries.
(Inputs from ANI)
