Marking a major step in India’s naval self-reliance, the Indian Navy has officially inducted INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously built Diving Support Vessel. Constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), the vessel was handed over on July 8, 2025, at a ceremony held in Visakhapatnam, signifying a major boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
INS Nistar is a 118-meter-long, nearly 10,000-ton vessel equipped with cutting-edge systems for deep-sea saturation diving and rescue operations. Capable of operating up to 300 meters underwater, the ship significantly enhances the Navy’s ability to carry out complex underwater missions. It also features Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can support diver monitoring and salvage operations at depths of up to 1,000 meters.
A key capability of INS Nistar is its function as a “Mother Ship” for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs). These systems are essential for rescuing personnel from distressed submarines during emergencies, a need brought into global focus by incidents like Argentina’s ARA San Juan tragedy in 2017. INS Nistar’s addition ensures that the Indian Navy now has the capacity to respond swiftly and effectively in such scenarios.
The vessel’s development began under a ₹2,019 crore contract awarded to HSL in September 2018. Although the project faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, INS Nistar was launched in September 2022 and completed its final sea trials between March and April 2025. These trials validated the performance of its advanced diving and rescue systems.
With an estimated 75% indigenous content, INS Nistar reflects India’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on foreign military imports. The project also includes a second vessel, INS Nipun, which will further strengthen the Navy’s underwater operational capabilities.
The delivery of INS Nistar is seen as a critical milestone in enhancing India’s maritime safety and rescue infrastructure, particularly in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. Senior Navy and HSL officials present at the handover ceremony lauded the achievement as a landmark in India’s indigenous shipbuilding journey.
