INS Sandhayak Docks in Malaysia to Boost Maritime and Hydrographic Cooperation

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India’s indigenously designed hydrographic survey ship, INS Sandhayak, arrived at Port Klang on July 16 as part of a regional outreach effort aimed at enhancing maritime and hydrographic cooperation between India and Malaysia. The port call concluded on July 19, marking a significant milestone in India’s “MAHASAGAR” initiative, a vision focused on regional maritime collaboration.

This visit was INS Sandhayak’s first international mission since its commissioning in February 2024. The ship, developed under India’s Survey Vessel (Large) project, is equipped with advanced technology for coastal and deep-sea surveys, oceanographic data collection, and humanitarian operations.

According to official statements, the visit aimed to facilitate knowledge-sharing between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy, strengthen bilateral ties, and support regional maritime infrastructure. During the stay, various activities were organized, including cross-deck visits, joint training exchanges, and onboard technical briefings.

Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia B.N. Reddy, along with senior naval officials from both countries, attended an official reception onboard the ship. As part of outreach efforts, local school students were also invited aboard for educational tours, emphasizing people-to-people and cultural connections.

A statement from the Indian Navy noted that “the visit reinforced mutual trust and laid the groundwork for deeper hydrographic cooperation, aligning with India’s Act East and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies.”

The vessel also hosted subject matter expert exchanges and a visit to Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Centre. These interactions helped identify potential future collaborations in marine charting, data sharing, and joint capacity-building.

India has maintained active naval engagement with Southeast Asian nations, with recent port calls by INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan in the region. The visit by INS Sandhayak is seen as a continuation of these efforts to promote maritime safety and security in the Indo-Pacific.

The Indian Navy confirmed that INS Sandhayak has now concluded its Malaysia engagement and will proceed to its next mission as part of ongoing regional cooperation efforts.