Visakhapatnam – In a landmark moment for India’s naval self-reliance, INS Nistar, the nation’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was commissioned into service today at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. The vessel was inducted in the presence of Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth, marking a significant advancement in India’s underwater rescue and salvage capabilities.
Strengthening India’s Role as a Regional Maritime Partner
INS Nistar is the first of two DSVs being built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). Engineered to conduct complex deep-sea saturation diving and submarine rescue operations, the vessel’s induction positions India among a select group of nations capable of deploying such high-end maritime assets.
Lauding the Indian Navy and the shipbuilding industry, Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth underscored the achievement as a critical milestone under the Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. He highlighted the Navy’s evolving role as the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the region, and reaffirmed India’s readiness to meet any challenge from adversaries.
“The commissioning of INS Nistar reaffirms India’s maritime resolve and showcases our indigenous defence manufacturing capability. It is not just a vessel—it is a symbol of our technological aspirations and our commitment to regional stability,” said Sanjay Seth.
“A Crucial Operational Enabler” Says Navy Chief
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who was present at the ceremony, described INS Nistar as “a crucial operational enabler” rather than just a technological asset. He said the ship would be instrumental in providing critical submarine rescue support not only for the Indian Navy but also for regional partners.
“With the commissioning of Nistar, India takes a firm step forward in becoming a ‘Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner’ in the Indo-Pacific. It also reflects the rising maturity of India’s maritime industrial ecosystem,” he said.
Diving Capabilities and Indigenous Excellence
Measuring 118 meters in length and displacing over 10,000 tons, INS Nistar is fitted with advanced diving systems including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Life Boats (SPHL), and Diving Compression Chambers. It is capable of executing salvage operations up to 300 meters deep and will serve as the ‘Mother Ship’ for deep submergence rescue vessels—able to rescue personnel from dived submarines in distress well below surface levels.
The vessel also stands as a testament to India’s indigenous manufacturing prowess, incorporating over 80% indigenous content and contributions from more than 120 MSMEs. This reflects the Indian Navy’s steady push toward self-sufficiency in high-technology naval platforms.
The commissioning was attended by senior Navy officials, dignitaries, the crew of the erstwhile INS Nistar, and representatives from Hindustan Shipyard Limited.
Also Read: ICG Ship Rajveer Rescues Two Crew Members from U.S. Yacht in Andaman Waters
