INS Sandhayak Docks in Malaysia to Strengthen Maritime Cooperation

quick Summary

• INS Sandhayak Visit to Malaysia: The indigenously designed and built hydrographic survey ship, INS Sandhayak, made it’s maiden port call at Port Klang, Malaysia, from July 16-19, 2025.
• Purpose of Visit: The visit aims to foster international goodwill and elevate awareness about India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision for maritime cooperation.
• Activities Conducted: During the visit:

– Technical exchanges on hydrographic technologies.
– Knowledge-sharing sessions.
– Official receptions highlighting maritime collaboration.

• Capabilities of INS Sandhayak: The vessel is equipped for coastal/deep water surveys, oceanographic data collection, search-and-rescue operations (SAR), humanitarian missions with onboard helicopter support and hospital facilities.
• Regional Cooperation Role: Demonstrates India’s growing capability in regional hydrographic capacity building under the Indian Naval Hydrographic Department (INHD).
• Commissioning Details: INS sandhayak was commissioned in February 2024.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The maiden voyage of INS Sandhayak to Port Klang symbolizes a notable step in regional maritime diplomacy under the MAHASAGAR vision. By showcasing India’s advancements in hydrographic technology and reinforcing institutional ties through technical collaborations with Malaysia’s counterparts, this visit strengthens India’s commitment to fostering partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.

India could gain strategic advantages by bolstering mutual trust among neighboring countries while providing shared expertise in areas such as surveying technology and maritime safety protocols. The inclusion of modern functionalities like SAR capabilities highlights a dual-purpose approach-promoting security while enabling humanitarian outreach when needed. Such engagements underscore India’s aspirational role as a responsible maritime leader aiming toward collective growth without compromising neutrality.

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