The visit highlights the strong maritime partnership between India and Mauritius
The Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey ship, INS Sarvekshak, has successfully completed the first phase of a joint hydrographic survey in Mauritius, marking another milestone in the strong maritime partnership between the two nations. The survey operations are part of India’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation in line with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

R Sooroojebally, Commissioner of Police for the Mauritius Police Force, visited the ship during its deployment and was briefed on the progress of survey operations. Additionally, the Commanding Officer of INS Sarvekshak called on India’s High Commissioner to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava, to discuss the initiative’s broader objectives.

A Milestone in Maritime Collaboration
In a post on X January 15, 2025, on the Indian Navy spokesperson highlighted the achievements of the deployment: "Strengthening maritime cooperation b/n India & Mauritius, #INSSarvekshak completed first phase of Joint #hydrographic survey. Mr. R Sooroojebally, Commissioner of Police, Mauritius Police Force, visited the ship & was briefed on progress of survey ops. On this occasion, CO INS Sarvekshak called on Shri Anurag Srivastava @HCI_PortLouis."

The survey is expected to enhance navigational safety in Mauritian waters and facilitate better maritime infrastructure development. The initiative also underscores India’s efforts to support littoral nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by sharing expertise and technical know-how in hydrography.

Community Outreach and Engagement
INS Sarvekshak’s deployment included several outreach initiatives to strengthen goodwill and camaraderie between the two nations. The ship’s crew participated in community service activities, organized a medical camp, and conducted harbor training sessions for personnel from the Mauritius National Coast Guard. Visitors were also invited onboard to explore the ship’s advanced scientific research and hydrography capabilities.

The Navy spokesperson described the activities on X, saying: "Ship's crew participated in several outreach activities, incl community service initiative and medical camp. The ship was kept open to visitors, who had the unique opportunity of exploring advanced scientific research and hydrography capabilities of #IndianNavy. This deployment underscores India's dedication to fostering regional partnerships and supporting the maritime aspirations of littoral nations of #IOR in line with the vision of #SAGAR."

Joint Coordination Meeting Lays Foundation for Survey
The visit of INS Sarvekshak commenced with a joint coordination meeting held onboard the ship on December 29, 2024. The meeting involved key stakeholders, including representatives from the Mauritius Ministry of Housing and Lands, the Mauritius Hydrographic Service, and the Oceanographic Institute. This gathering officially launched the joint hydrographic survey, emphasizing collaboration to improve navigational safety and maritime resource management.

The Indian Navy also conducted harbor training sessions for National Coast Guard personnel, covering NBCD (nuclear, biological, chemical, and damage control) and small arms handling. In addition, a friendly volleyball match between the ship’s crew and local personnel further fostered camaraderie.

Enhancing Mauritius’ Maritime Capabilities
After its arrival in Mauritius on December 26, 2024, INS Sarvekshak actively collaborated with local authorities, conducting technical exchanges and professional training sessions. These engagements are aimed at building Mauritius’ maritime capabilities in areas such as:
Maritime infrastructure development
Resource management
Coastal planning and development

The survey is expected to provide critical data to support Mauritius’ efforts in maritime safety, infrastructure planning, and resource sustainability.

INS Sarvekshak, commissioned under the Southern Naval Command, is a state-of-the-art hydrographic survey ship equipped with advanced surveying systems, four survey motor boats, and two small boats. The ship also boasts a helicopter and a Bofors 40 mm gun for enhanced operational capability.

Recognized for its innovation, INS Sarvekshak was awarded the runner-up trophy in the 2015 Innovation Trophy Awards for developing a tidal measurement system using land-based terrain mapping equipment and floating buoys. This highlights its cutting-edge contributions to hydrographic surveys and maritime operations.

The ship’s arrival was warmly welcomed by dignitaries, including High Commissioner Srivastava, Captain C.G. Binoop of the Mauritius National Coastguard, and other civil and military officials.

The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized the significance of the mission in a press release, stating: "The extant visit highlights the strong maritime partnership between India and Mauritius, reflecting shared commitment to regional development and deeper bilateral cooperation in line with the GoI's vision of SAGAR."

INS Sarvekshak’s successful completion of the first phase of the hydrographic survey in Mauritius symbolizes India’s dedication to strengthening regional partnerships and advancing the maritime aspirations of Indian Ocean nations. The ongoing collaboration between India and Mauritius, supported by initiatives like this survey, sets the stage for greater bilateral cooperation, enhanced maritime security, and sustainable regional development.