India–Mauritius Ties | Ocean Mapping | Maritime Security
INS Sarvekshak Concludes Landmark Hydrographic Survey in Mauritius

In a major boost to India–Mauritius maritime cooperation, the Indian Navy’s INS Sarvekshak has successfully completed a comprehensive hydrographic survey of Mauritius’ waters. Spanning 25,000+ square nautical miles, the project culminated on January 23, 2025, with the formal handover of nautical charts and data to Mauritian authorities.

🌊 Why the Hydrographic Survey Matters

• New nautical charts will assist in:
  • Coastal infrastructure development
  • Marine resource management
  • Safer navigation for commercial and defense vessels
• The initiative enhances Mauritius’ maritime governance capacity and supports the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision championed by India.

🚢 Meet INS Sarvekshak: India’s Ocean Mapper

• Equipped with:
  • High-tech multi-beam and side-scan sonar systems
  • Survey boats for shallow and coastal mapping
  • Onboard helicopter for aerial reconnaissance
  • A Bofors 40 mm gun for self-defense
• INS Sarvekshak is a multi-role vessel capable of both scientific surveying and naval operations.

🤝 A Deepening Defence Partnership

• Mauritius maintains an International Liaison Officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
• Operates radar stations that integrate into India’s Coastal Surveillance Network.
• These ties reinforce regional maritime awareness and security.

📈 Capacity Building in the Indian Ocean

• Over the past 5 years, the Indian Navy has:
  • Conducted joint surveys in 89,000 sq. km. of ocean territory.
  • Produced 96 nautical charts for partner nations.
• These efforts are part of India’s inclusive maritime diplomacy, focusing on skill sharing and strategic trust.

🔭 Looking Ahead

The success of this survey paves the way for more collaboration:

• Future surveys could explore deep-sea minerals, underwater topography, and marine conservation zones.
• Mauritius, as a key node in the Indian Ocean, stands to benefit from greater navigational autonomy and economic potential.

This mission highlights how science, security, and diplomacy can converge through shared seas.