INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 18, 2025, at Visakhapatnam. This marks a major step towards self-reliance in naval rescue and diving operations.
Background of INS Nistar
- The name “INS Nistar” was earlier used for a Soviet-origin submarine rescue ship inducted in 1971 and decommissioned in 1989.
- The new INS Nistar is the first DSV designed and built in India with over 80% indigenous content.
Features and Capabilities
- Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, it is the first of two such vessels.
- Designed for deep-sea diving, salvage, and submarine rescue missions.
- Equipped with cutting-edge tools like:
- Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
- Hyperbaric Life Boats
- Diving Chambers for saturation diving up to 300 meters depth
- Acts as a “mother ship” for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV).
- Length: 118 meters; Displacement: 10,000+ tonnes
- Includes a 15-ton subsea crane, helicopter deck, and advanced medical facilities including ICU and hyperbaric care.
Strategic Importance
- Enhances India’s capability for submarine rescue operations—a rare capability among global navies.
- Reinforces India’s role as the “First Responder” and regional security partner.
- Strengthens Make in India and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Part of the larger effort where all 57 upcoming warships are being built domestically.
Conclusion:
INS Nistar symbolizes India’s growing self-reliance in maritime defence technology and positions the Navy as a key player in regional underwater rescue and support operations.