Visakhapatnam, 10 July 2025 – The Indian Navy is set to commission its first-ever indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV) ‘Nistar’ on 18 July 2025. The commissioning ceremony will be held at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, Nistar represents a major step in India’s pursuit of defence self-reliance. The vessel has over 80% indigenous content, with 120 MSMEs contributing to its construction. It reflects the Navy’s vision of designing and building complex platforms domestically.
Legacy of the Original ‘Nistar’ Lives On
The new ship carries forward the legacy of the original ex-Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel commissioned in 1971. That vessel was acquired from the USSR in 1969 and served the Navy for two decades. The new Nistar inherits the same name and spirit, guided by the motto “Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam”, meaning “Deliverance with Precision and Bravery.”
Advanced Rescue Capabilities and Diving Systems
At approximately 120 metres long and displacing over 10,000 tons, the vessel uses a Dynamic Positioning System for exact station-keeping. It features a cutting-edge diving complex with both Air and Saturation Diving Systems. It also includes ROVs and Side Scan SONAR, which expand its underwater mission envelope.
Nistar is designed to serve as the mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). Its induction will significantly enhance the Navy’s preparedness for submarine emergencies. The vessel brings critical capability to deep-sea rescue missions, a growing need in underwater operations.
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Onboard Medical Infrastructure & Long-Endurance Platform
The ship includes an Operation Theatre, ICU, eight-bed hospital, and hyperbaric medical chamber. These facilities are essential for supporting saturation diving and rescue operations. Medical readiness ensures the vessel can handle extended, high-risk missions at sea.
With an endurance of over 60 days at sea, Nistar can stage through helicopters and deploy a 15-ton subsea crane. These features make it an adaptable and powerful addition to India’s maritime fleet. Its versatility supports a broad range of naval operations.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Posture
Nistar’s commissioning under the Eastern Naval Command reinforces India’s strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean Region. The ship’s induction not only boosts operational readiness but also showcases India’s growing naval self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
