Marking a major milestone in India’s drive towards self-reliance in defence, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at a formal ceremony held in Visakhapatnam. Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth presided over the event, describing the ship as a “technological leap” that reinforces India’s status as the region’s ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner.’
Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), INS Nistar is the first of two DSVs and is equipped with cutting-edge saturation diving and deep-sea rescue capabilities, allowing operations at depths of up to 300 metres. It features advanced equipment such as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Lifeboats (SPHLs), and Diving Compression Chambers, placing it among a select group of global naval assets with such capabilities.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi hailed the vessel as not just a technological asset, but a vital operational enabler. “Nistar will provide critical submarine rescue support not only to the Indian Navy but also to regional partners, helping India emerge as a ‘Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner’ in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
At 118 meters long and displacing over 10,000 tons, INS Nistar will also serve as the mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels (DSRVs), crucial for evacuating crew from submarines in distress far below the ocean’s surface.
The ship’s construction reflects a strong push for indigenous content, with over 80% of components sourced domestically and 120 MSMEs contributing to the project. The commissioning of INS Nistar highlights the growing strength of India’s maritime industrial base and exemplifies the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.
Addressing the audience, Sanjay Seth commended the Indian Navy and the shipbuilding ecosystem for their commitment to innovation and indigenous capability development. He reiterated India’s readiness to counter any threat and underlined the vessel’s role in safeguarding regional maritime interests.
The ceremony was attended by senior naval leadership, veteran crew members of the erstwhile Nistar, representatives from HSL, and civilian dignitaries, all celebrating the induction of a vessel that significantly enhances India’s underwater operational reach and resilience.
