India’s maritime ambitions are poised for a leap forward as the Indian Navy commissions INS Nirdeshak, the second Survey Vessel Large (SVL), on 18 December 2024. The commissioning, set to take place at Visakhapatnam’s Naval Dockyard, will be officiated by Minister of State Defence Sanjay Seth. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, this vessel is part of a four-ship project and a testament to India’s growing stature in indigenous shipbuilding.
INS Nirdeshak: A Technological Milestone
INS Nirdeshak represents a synthesis of engineering precision and operational versatility. The 3,400-ton vessel, spanning 110 meters with a beam of 16 meters, has been purpose-built for hydrographic surveys. Powered by two diesel engines, the ship can achieve speeds exceeding 18 knots, enabling efficient survey operations across India’s vast coastline and deep-sea territories.
Equipped with cutting-edge hydrographic and satellite-based positioning systems, it is designed for detailed mapping of ports, harbours, and navigational routes. Beyond its primary role, INS Nirdeshak is capable of secondary naval operations, adding strategic flexibility to its profile. Built with 80% indigenous content, it underscores India’s ambition for technological self-sufficiency.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Strategic Autonomy
The SVL project stands as a hallmark of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With locally developed components from Indian OEMs and MSMEs, including BEL, ECIL, and BHEL, the ship integrates indigenous innovation at every level. Key materials, such as DMR 249A steel, reflect India’s ability to meet complex naval specifications. This initiative not only reduces foreign dependence but also reinforces India’s defence ecosystem.
The Navy’s policy to construct 63 of its 64 ships and submarines domestically signifies a firm commitment to achieving strategic autonomy. The target to become a “fully Aatmanirbhar Force by 2047” aligns with India’s maritime ambitions to dominate the Indo-Pacific while enhancing national security.
Economic and Strategic Catalysts
Shipbuilding projects like INS Nirdeshak have far-reaching economic and strategic implications. The SVL project generates employment for around 1,600 workers annually at GRSE, with an additional 10,000 employed across supporting industries. Beyond direct job creation, the advanced technical expertise required for defence shipbuilding nurtures a skilled workforce, fostering innovation and industrial growth.
As India transitions from a defence importer to a potential exporter, its shipbuilding capabilities strengthen its geopolitical leverage. Indian-made vessels, increasingly sought after in international markets, open new avenues for defence diplomacy and economic collaboration.
Shipbuilding as an Economic Engine
The ripple effect of investment in shipbuilding extends beyond the naval sector. Domestic manufacturing contracts stimulate ancillary industries, including metallurgy, electronics, and precision engineering. This “plough-back” into the economy bolsters India’s resilience, creating a diversified and sustainable industrial base.
By incorporating MSMEs into defence projects, India is fostering a symbiotic ecosystem where smaller firms contribute to national security while benefiting from technology transfers and capacity building. This integrated approach ensures long-term industrial and economic sustainability.
The Road Ahead: Transforming Defence Industry Potential
INS Nirdeshak’s commissioning is part of a broader naval modernization effort that reflects India’s maritime aspirations. With upgraded shipyards, advanced research capabilities, and a focus on sustainability, India is emerging as a global player in naval defence. The potential to export high-quality vessels positions the country as a leader in maritime technology, capable of shaping regional and global security architectures.
The Navy’s commitment to indigenous shipbuilding—complemented by projects like the 45,000-ton indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant—highlights India’s journey towards maritime self-reliance. This strategic trajectory will not only secure India’s maritime interests but also reinforce its global standing as a technologically advanced nation.
The commissioning of INS Nirdeshak is more than an operational milestone; it is a reflection of India’s progress in marrying industrial capability with strategic necessity. It embodies the broader vision of leveraging defence manufacturing for economic and technological development. As India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, such initiatives underline the transformative role of indigenous shipbuilding in achieving maritime security, economic growth, and global competitiveness. INS Nirdeshak is not just a ship—it is a beacon of India’s nation-building ambitions.
