INS Nipun Commissioned Into Indian Navy, Boosting Underwater Rescue Capability

INS Nipun, the second ship in the Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV) family, was launched for the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 31 August 2026. Constructed locally by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) based in Visakhapatnam, the purpose-built ship is intended to undertake deep sea diving, underwater intervention, salvage and submarine rescue operations. The addition of the vessel to the Navy fleet is significant, as maritime security and emergency response capabilities have become more vital than ever before.

INS Nipun Commissioned at Mumbai

The commissioning ceremony was performed by Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), along with the participation of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.

High ranking naval officers, HSL officials, veterans, special guests and relatives of the commissioning crew attended the event.

The Commissioning Pennant hoisted marked the entry of INS Nipun into operational service with the Indian Navy.

Why is INS Nipun Unique?

The vessel INS Nipun has been specially designed for underwater missions and is capable of undertaking saturation, air and heliox diving operations and can facilitate specialist crews to operate for extended durations at varying depths.

Other capabilities of INS Nipun include,

• Remotely Operated Underwater Systems
• Specialized Diving Complex
• Dynamic Positioning System
• Life Support Systems
• Medical Facilities
• Underwater Inspections/Intervention Equipment

Key Role in Submarine Rescue Operations

Another important role of the INS Nipun includes submarine rescue operations. This ship can perform the specialized missions during underwater emergencies of distressed submarines.

In addition to INS Nistar, the ship adds to India’s capability of deep water diving, underwater intervention, salvaging and submarine rescue. The Navy has pointed out that such special capabilities are possessed by just a few navies across the world.

This capability will help India in providing its assistance in cases of distressed submarines belonging to friendly nations. Thus, it reinforces India’s position as a “Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner” in the region.

Indigenously Developed Shipbuilding

INS Nipun has been indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam. It is yet another step in the direction of Aatmanirbharta in defence shipbuilding.

It demonstrates the increasing role of Indian shipyards, Indian industry and other related agencies in building technologically advanced naval platforms.

According to CNS, the successful testing of diving systems of the ship during the sea trials is a reflection of India’s technical confidence and engineering prowess.

Strategic Importance of INS Nipun

As per the western coast and operating under Western Naval Command, INS Nipun will provide specialized capabilities in underwater operations for the Navy in its multi-domain operations.

Apart from being utilized for combat purposes, the ship will be of use in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and specialized underwater salvage missions. In addition to being strategic in nature for combat preparedness, it will also have relevance in maritime emergencies.

The ship bears the motto ‘Far Beneath, Few Beyond’.