INS Nirdeshak in Mauritius for joint hydrographic surveys
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nirdeshak is in Mauritius from 12 October to 16 November 2026 to conduct multidisciplinary hydrographic surveys in Mauritian waters. This deployment reflects the continued commitment of Mauritius and India to strengthen hydrographic cooperation, enhance maritime safety and support the sustainable management of marine resources in the Indian Ocean.
The Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives, and Acting Minister of Housing and Lands, Mr Sayed Muhammad Aadil Ameer Meea; the Acting Indian High Commissioner, Mrs Aparna Ganesan; Indian naval representatives; senior officials; and other stakeholders were present at the welcoming ceremony organised by the Ministry of Housing and Lands this morning in Port Louis Harbour.
In his address, Minister Ameer Meea underlined India’s support to Mauritius’ hydrographic development since 2006, particularly in nautical chart production, technical expertise and national capacity building. While citing the enactment of the Mauritius Hydrographic Services Act 2026 as a key milestone in establishing a dedicated legal and institutional framework for hydrographic activities, he highlighted the joint production of 13 paper nautical charts and 15 electronic navigational charts, 12 of which have been given international status.
The Minister further underscored the importance of hydrography in ensuring safe navigation, protecting the marine environment, supporting coastal management and maritime security, as well as promoting the sustainable development of the blue economy. He also welcomed the achievement of Mauritius’ first female hydrographer as a milestone for greater gender representation in the sector.
For her part, Mrs Ganesan reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening Mauritius’ hydrographic capabilities through joint surveys, technical assistance and training. She outlined the contribution of previous Indian naval survey ships and the two countries’ wider cooperation in ocean observation and coastal vulnerability assessment.
The Acting Indian High Commissioner moreover referred to India’s provision of 158 electronic navigational charts and advanced software for the Mauritian National Coast Guard vessel MCGS Barracuda as part of efforts to enhance the country’s maritime capabilities.
The Commanding Officer of INS Nirdeshak, Captain Samir Gokhale stated that this deployment marks the 19th joint hydrographic survey undertaken by Mauritius and India under the Memorandum of Understanding on hydrographic cooperation. The ship is scheduled to conduct deep-water surveys covering approximately 21,300 square nautical miles between mainland Mauritius and Rodrigues Island along the Rodrigues Ridge, he added.
Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18 December 2024, INS Nirdeshak is equipped with advanced survey technology, including multibeam echo sounders and autonomous underwater vehicles. The visit will provide opportunities for professional exchanges, joint training and the sharing of best practices between the two countries’ maritime personnel.
Source : GIS Mauritius
