INS Nistar: India’s first indigenously built diving support vessel delivered to Indian Navy on July 8, 2025. Enhances deep-sea rescue and submarine operations under Make in India initiative.

INS Nistar: India’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel

On July 8, 2025, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) officially delivered the Indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar to the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam. The delivery was formalized with an acceptance ceremony signed by HSL CMD Commodore Hemant Khatri and INS Nistar Commanding Officer Commander Amit Subhro Banerji, in the presence of Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth

What is INS Nistar?

INS Nistar is a state-of-the-art DSV designed and built entirely within India, adhering to Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification standards. The ship measures 118 m in length, displaces nearly 10,000 tonnes, and is equipped for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and salvage operations It features:

Dynamic Positioning System (DP‑II) for precise station-keeping in challenging seas
Support for saturation diving up to 300 m, plus a side diving stage for shallower operations (up to 75 m)
A ‘Mother Ship’ role for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), enabling submarine crew rescue
Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) capable of operations up to 1,000 m
Onboard medical facilities, including surgery theatre, ICU, hyperbaric chamber, and an eight-bed hospital

Significance for “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Built with approximately 75% indigenous content—with some reports citing over 80% indigenization—INS Nistar exemplifies India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Over 120 MSMEs contributed to its construction This aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat and “Make in India” initiatives, demonstrating significant advancement in India’s naval engineering and shipbuilding capability

Operations and Future Role

Post-delivery, INS Nistar will be formally commissioned on July 18, 2025, at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Upon commissioning, the vessel will join the Eastern Naval Command, enhancing India’s capability in submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, and maritime search and rescue missions in the Indo-Pacific region

Why This News is Important

Strategic Enhancement

INS Nistar significantly strengthens India’s submarine rescue and underwater operations—a strategic capability shared by only a select few navies. The vessel’s ability to deploy DSRVs, ROVs, and conduct deep-sea saturation dives up to 300 m enhances operational readiness for emergencies at sea

Boosting Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

Creating INS Nistar with 75–80% indigenous content showcases India’s growing proficiency in defence production. It sets a precedent for complex naval vessel construction, accelerating self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers

Maritime Safety and Regional Influence

As a mother ship for submarine rescue, INS Nistar enhances the safety protocols for India’s growing submarine fleet (like Kalvari and Arihant classes). Additionally, this capability positions India as a capable undersea rescue provider in the Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing its regional maritime leadership

Historical Context

Legacy of the Name “Nistar”

The original INS Nistar, acquired from the USSR in 1969 and commissioned in 1971, played a crucial role in submarine rescue during its two decades of service—particularly during the Indo‑Pakistani War of 1971 Decommissioned in 1989, its legacy endures through modern INS Nistar.

Project Timeline

September 2018: HSL won the contract to build two DSVs, Nistar and Nipun
December 2019 – March 2020: Keels laid.
September 2022: Both vessels launched
May 2024: INS Nistar completed sea trials. Air/mixed gas diving system trials followed in early 2025
July 8, 2025: Delivered; July 18, 2025: Scheduled commissioning

The project timeline reflects delays due to COVID-19, but ultimately underscores India’s resolve in achieving defence manufacturing milestones.

Key Takeaways from INS Nistar

No.	Key Takeaway
1	INS Nistar is India’s first indigenously designed and built diving support vessel, delivered on 8 July 2025.
2	Equipped with Dynamic Positioning System, supports saturation diving (300 m), side diving (75 m), and ROVs (1,000 m).
3	Acts as a ‘Mother Ship’ for DSRV, enabling independent submarine rescue.
4	Built with 75–80% indigenous content, involving 120+ MSMEs, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
5	Commissioning on 18 July 2025, Nistar strengthens undersea rescue and maritime security capability in the Indo-Pacific.

INS Nistar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is INS Nistar?

INS Nistar is India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), developed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and delivered to the Indian Navy on July 8, 2025.

2. What is the primary role of INS Nistar?

The ship is designed for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, salvage operations, and supporting underwater naval missions. It serves as a ‘Mother Ship’ for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs).

3. Why is INS Nistar significant for the Indian Navy?

INS Nistar enhances India’s underwater operational capability, improves safety for submariners, and contributes to India’s maritime influence in the Indo-Pacific. It also aligns with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

4. What is the diving capability of INS Nistar?

The vessel supports saturation diving up to 300 meters, side diving up to 75 meters, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations up to 1,000 meters depth.

5. What percentage of INS Nistar’s components are indigenously made?

Approximately 75–80% of the components and systems used in INS Nistar are indigenously sourced, involving more than 120 Indian MSMEs.

6. When will INS Nistar be commissioned?

The formal commissioning of INS Nistar is scheduled for July 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.