On 18 July 2025, the Indian Navy commissioned its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The commissioning ceremony was graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This significant milestone marks a major step forward in India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiative in defence and bolsters the Navy’s capabilities in deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations.
Designed And Built In India
INS Nistar has been developed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, with the active involvement of more than 120 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The project achieved an impressive 80% indigenous content. The vessel measures approximately 120 metres in length and has a displacement of over 10,000 tonnes. One of its key features is the Dynamic Positioning System, enabling it to hold a fixed position in challenging sea conditions.
Advanced Operational Capabilities
Designed for a range of underwater missions, INS Nistar is equipped with state-of-the-art diving and submarine rescue systems, including Air and Saturation Diving Systems, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Side Scan SONAR. These capabilities significantly extend its reach in undersea operations. Additionally, it functions as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), making it a critical asset for supporting submarines in distress.
Onboard Medical And Support Infrastructure
The vessel boasts a comprehensive suite of medical facilities essential for underwater rescue missions. These include an Operation Theatre, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), eight-bed hospital, and hyperbaric medical chambers designed for treating divers suffering from decompression sickness. Nistar can operate autonomously at sea for more than 60 days and is also equipped to support helicopter operations. A 15-tonne subsea crane further enhances its operational versatility.
Strengthening India's Maritime Strategy
INS Nistar will be integrated into the Eastern Naval Command, significantly enhancing India’s underwater operational capabilities. Its commissioning reinforces the Navy’s readiness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The vessel's name, ‘Nistar’, which means ‘rescue’ in Sanskrit, reflects its core mission. The ship’s crest, featuring an anchor and a dolphin, symbolizes reliability and friendship with the sea.
A Legacy Reborn
The newly inducted Nistar revives the legacy of the original INS Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel procured from the former USSR in 1969, which served until 1989. The new DSV carries forward this tradition under the motto ‘Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam’, translating to ‘Deliverance with Precision and Bravery’. It is the first in a class of two vessels, with the second DSV named INS Nipun, expected to join the fleet in the near future.
Expanding Role In Indian Ocean
The Indian Navy undertakes critical diving and salvage operations across the Indian Ocean Region, including submarine rescue, underwater inspections, wreck recovery, and salvage missions. With the commissioning of INS Nistar, the Navy’s ability to perform these operations has received a substantial boost. The ship is also capable of carrying out extended patrols and search-and-rescue missions in deep waters, enhancing India’s strategic presence in the region.
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