INS Nistar of Indian Navy.
Indian Navy’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel INS Nistar Commissioned: VISAKHAPATNAM – July 18, 2025 – India’s maritime defence capabilities received a significant boost today with the commissioning of INS Nistar, the nation’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), into the Indian Navy. The ceremony, held in Visakhapatnam, was attended by the Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, marking a pivotal moment for naval self-reliance and regional security.
INS Nistar is the first of two such Diving Support Vessels being built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Its advanced design allows it to undertake complex deep-sea saturation diving and critical rescue operations – a highly specialised capability possessed by only a select few navies globally. This vessel is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding India’s underwater assets and providing vital support in times of crisis.
In his address, Defence Minister of State Sanjay Seth commended the Indian Navy and the indigenous shipbuilding industry for their unwavering commitment to enhancing local content in warships through homegrown solutions and innovative technologies. He affirmed that the commissioning of INS Nistar unequivocally reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the region. The indigenous shipbuilding industry has been a cornerstone of the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaign, with all 57 new warships currently in the pipeline being constructed domestically.
Sanjay Seth expressed strong confidence in the capabilities of the Armed Forces, stating that India remains committed and resolute in its ability to counter any adversarial misadventure. He described the induction of INS Nistar as a technological leap and a significant milestone in India’s shipbuilding journey towards building a future-ready force.
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Speaking at the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasised the profound importance of INS Nistar, describing it as “not just a technological asset, but a crucial operational enabler.” He highlighted its critical function: “Nistar will provide vital submarine rescue support to the Indian Navy as well as our regional partners. This will enable India to emerge as a ‘Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner’ in this region.” Admiral Tripathi concluded by stating that the commissioning of Nistar is a clear “testimony to the growing capability and maturity of our maritime industrial base, and another shining example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
INS Nistar of Indian Navy.
About INS Nistar: A Technological Marvel for Underwater Operations
INS Nistar is equipped with state-of-the-art diving equipment, including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), a Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Life Boat, and advanced Diving Compression Chambers. It is capable of undertaking diving and salvage operations down to a depth of 300 metres. Beyond its diving capabilities, the vessel will also serve as the ‘Mother Ship’ for deep submergence rescue vessels, enabling the rescue and evacuation of personnel from a distressed submarine well below the surface.
The commissioning of this 118-metre vessel, with a displacement exceeding 10,000 tonnes, underscores the Indian Navy’s unwavering resolve to continuously strengthen its maritime capabilities in the underwater domain. With the participation of 120 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and incorporating over 80% indigenous content, INS Nistar stands as a powerful statement to India’s growing ability to construct complex ships that meet international standards.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior Naval officials, distinguished civilian dignitaries, the crew of the erstwhile Nistar, and representatives from Hindustan Shipyard Limited, all celebrating this landmark achievement for India’s naval power.
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