Commissioned in February 2024, INS Sandhayak is equipped with advanced survey technology, and has the capacity for coastal and deep-sea mapping. It also has search and rescue, helicopter operations, and medical facilities onboard, making it suitable for both hydrographic and humanitarian missions
INS Sandhayak was commissioned in Feb 2024 in presence of the Union Defence Minister. Pic/Defence PRO
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sandhayak, India's first indigenous large survey vessel, arrived at Changi Naval Base in Singapore on Saturday for a three-day visit, coinciding with Singapore’s National Day celebrations, an official statement said.
The visit is a symbol of growing maritime cooperation between India and Singapore, particularly in the field of hydrography, which involves mapping and studying the sea and ocean floors. It also reflects India’s increasing role in maritime diplomacy and regional partnerships, it said.
"Indian Naval Ship Sandhayak, the first indigenous Survey Vessel Large (SVL) with state of the art hydrography capability entered Singapore on the momentous occasion of its National Day - August 9, 2025 for a three-day visit. The visit reaffirms India’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation and marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral hydrographic ties between the Indian Navy and Singapore’s maritime agencies, a statement issued by the Defence PRO said.
INS Sandhayak is equipped with advanced survey technology, and has the capacity for coastal and deep-sea mapping. It also has search and rescue, helicopter operations, and medical facilities onboard, making it suitable for both hydrographic and humanitarian missions.
During the visit, the ship’s commanding officer will meet key Singaporean officials including Mr Gary Chew, Assistant Chief Hydrographer of Singapore, and Colonel Chauah Meng Soon, Commander of the 9th Flotilla of the Royal Singapore Navy (RSN).
According to the statement, INS Sandhayak was commissioned in Feb 2024 in presence of the Union Defence Minister. The ship has full‑scale coastal and deep‑water surveying capacity and is capable of SAR/humanitarian operations with onboard helicopter and hospital functions.
It further said that the maiden visit of the ship to Singapore aims at facilitating technical and professional exchanges and sustained hydrographic support engagements.
"Key activities during the visit include call on Mr Gary Chew, Assistant Chief Hydrographer, Singapore and courtesy call on Colonel Chauah Meng Soon, Commander 9th Flotilla, Royal Singapore Navy (RSN) by the Commanding Officer. Other activities include visit of Royal Singapore Navy personnel onboard and showcasing of hydrographic capabilities of Indian Navy. A visit for school children and families of the Office of High Commissioner of India (HCI) onboard is also scheduled as a part of the visit," the statement said.
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