India Launches First Indigenous Diving Support Ship INS Nistar

On July 9, 2025, the Indian Navy received INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV). Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, the ship will help the Navy carry out deep sea diving and rescue operations. This marks a major step forward for the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat programs.

Built in India for Deep Sea Operations

INS Nistar has been fully designed and built in India, with about 75% local content. It has been constructed according to the rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). This shows India’s growing capability to build advanced warships on its own.

The name “Nistar” comes from Sanskrit, meaning rescue or salvation. The ship is 118 meters long, weighs around 10,000 tonnes, and is equipped with modern diving equipment. It can carry out saturation diving up to 300 metres deep and has a side diving stage for dives up to 75 metres.

Advanced Rescue and Support Abilities

INS Nistar will act as a “Mother Ship” for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV). This means it can help in rescuing people trapped in submarines underwater. The ship also carries Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) which can go as deep as 1000 metres to support divers and help in underwater salvage operations.

This type of advanced deep sea support is available only in a few leading navies across the world. With Nistar, the Indian Navy joins that list and can now respond faster and better to underwater emergencies.

Strengthening India’s Self-Reliance

The arrival of INS Nistar is seen as a milestone in India’s effort to become self-reliant in defence production. The ship strengthens the Navy’s underwater capabilities and supports India’s wider plans to modernise its naval fleet. It also fits perfectly into the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India vision set by the government.