INS Nistar Commissioned: India’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel Joins Navy

Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at Visakhapatnam. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), the vessel marks a significant leap in India’s underwater operational capability and indigenous shipbuilding, reinforcing the country’s role as a regional security partner.

Background

INS Nistar is the first of two DSVs planned for the Indian Navy, developed to conduct saturation diving and submarine rescue operations—capabilities possessed by only a few global navies. The induction aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and the Navy’s broader goal to bolster indigenous maritime strength. Currently, all 57 warships under construction for the Navy are being built in India.

Key Features

1. State-of-the-art diving systems including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Diving Compression Chambers, and a Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Life Boat
2. Capable of diving and salvage operations up to 300 metres
3. Serves as a mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), enabling submarine crew rescue
4. Displacement: Over 10,000 tons, Length: 118 metres
5. Built with over 80% indigenous content, involving 120 MSMEs
6. Designed for dual roles: Naval operations and regional rescue partnerships

Significance

INS Nistar strengthens India’s position as a “Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region. It enhances the Navy’s underwater rescue capabilities, offering operational readiness for submarine distress response. The vessel represents a technological milestone, showcasing India’s capability to build complex naval platforms on par with global standards.

Strategic Impact

The vessel reinforces India’s maritime preparedness and operational self-reliance. It supports strategic outreach, enabling assistance to friendly navies during submarine emergencies. The commissioning of INS Nistar is not only a tactical upgrade but also a symbol of naval industrial maturity under the Make in India campaign.