Mumbai: The INS Nipun Diving Support Vessel is set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy on August 31, 2026, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The vessel is the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class and has been designed and built in India by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
The commissioning marks a major step in strengthening India’s underwater operational, diving, and submarine rescue capabilities while supporting the country’s goal of defence self-reliance.
What Is INS Nipun
INS Nipun is a specialized Diving Support Vessel built to conduct deep-sea diving, underwater intervention, submarine rescue support, and salvage operations.
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The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 30, 2026, after completing extensive outfitting and sea trials. It is the second ship in the indigenous Nistar-class after INS Nistar, which entered service in 2025.
INS Nipun Commissioning Details
The Indian Navy will commission INS Nipun on August 31, 2026, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
The induction of the vessel will officially mark its transition from construction and testing to active operational service.
Details of INS Nipun
INS Nipun has been indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam. The vessel represents a significant milestone in India’s effort to build advanced naval platforms domestically and reduce dependence on foreign defence equipment.
High Indigenous Content
The ship contains nearly 75–80% indigenous components and systems. Its construction highlights the growing capabilities of India’s defence shipbuilding ecosystem and supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Key Capabilities Of INS Nipun
INS Nipun is equipped with modern diving systems capable of supporting complex underwater missions. The vessel can assist divers operating in challenging conditions and conduct specialized deep-sea diving activities.
Underwater Intervention And Salvage
The ship is designed to undertake underwater intervention tasks and deep-sea salvage operations. These capabilities are critical for recovering equipment, conducting underwater inspections, and supporting maritime missions.
Advanced Navigation Systems
INS Nipun features modern navigation, platform management, and precise station-keeping systems. These technologies help the vessel maintain stability and accuracy during complex underwater operations.
How INS Nipun Will Support Submarine Rescue Missions
One of the vessel’s most important roles is supporting submarine rescue operations. INS Nipun can act as a mother ship for the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), enabling rapid rescue of personnel trapped inside distressed submarines.
Enhancing Underwater Safety
The vessel will significantly improve the Navy’s ability to respond to underwater emergencies. Its advanced systems will help ensure faster and more effective rescue operations when needed.
Strategic Importance For The Indian Navy
The commissioning of INS Nipun will strengthen India’s capability to conduct specialized underwater missions across its maritime areas of interest. It will improve operational readiness for diving, rescue, and underwater support activities.
Boost To Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The vessel showcases India’s ability to design and build technologically advanced naval platforms domestically. Its induction further reinforces the Indian Navy’s modernization and self-reliance goals.
INS Nipun And INS Nistar: Strengthening India’s Underwater Fleet
INS Nipun is the second vessel of the Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel program. Together, INS Nistar and INS Nipun provide the Indian Navy with a stronger platform for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, underwater intervention, and salvage missions.
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FAQs
INS Nipun is scheduled to be commissioned on August 31, 2026, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
INS Nipun is the Indian Navy’s second indigenous Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel designed for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and underwater intervention operations.
The vessel will support deep-sea diving, underwater salvage missions, and submarine rescue operations while improving the Navy’s underwater operational readiness.
