INS Nistar Commissioned at Visakhapatnam: Historic Achievement in Indian Naval Capabilities
In a historic moment for India's maritime power, INS Nistar, India's first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18th July 2025 at Visakhapatnam. The commissioning was attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, senior naval officers, and industry leaders.
A Symbol of Indigenous Excellence
INS Nistar, constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, is the initial of two Diving Support Vessels being created as part of India's drive for self-reliance in defence production. The ship has been specifically designed to undertake complicated saturation diving and deep-sea rescue operations, a capability of only a few navies across the world.
With the commissioning of INS Nistar, India takes a major stride toward becoming a global maritime power with greater ability in underwater capabilities.
Strategic Importance Emphasized by Defence Leadership
Addressing the congregation, Shri Sanjay Seth appreciated the Indian Navy and the domestic defence industry for their dedication to innovation and self-reliance. He reiterated that INS Nistar is a symbol of the Navy's increased recognition as a "First Responder" as well as "Preferred Security Partner" in the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized that all 57 future warships in the pipeline of the Indian Navy are being built indigenously, reflecting the success of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program in the defence industry.
Chief Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi spoke similarly, referring to INS Nistar as greater than a technological leap forward — an indispensable operational tool. He said that the ship will increase India's capability to undertake submarine rescue missions, not merely for the Indian Navy but also for friendly nations in the region, solidifying India's position as a reliable regional partner in submarine emergency response.
Within INS Nistar: Technology and Purpose
INS Nistar has state-of-the-art diving technology, which includes:
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Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
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Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Life Boats
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Diving Compression Chambers
The ship can undertake rescue and salvage operations up to depths of 300 meters, and also serves as the Mother Ship for launching Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels (DSRV) — vital for retrieving personnel from stranded submarines.
With an overall length of 118 meters and a displacement of more than 10,000 tons, INS Nistar is among the most sophisticated ships of its class. What really sets it apart is its more than 80% indigenous content, assembled through the teamwork of 120 Indian MSMEs, demonstrating India's increasing ability to design and construct advanced naval platforms.
Building India's Underwater Capabilities
The INS Nistar's commission is more than a ritual. It confirms India's determination to extend its operational horizon in the underwater warfare and rescue field. With the Navy moving to newer heights of modernization and projecting towards future capabilities, INS Nistar is expected to become a critical component of strategic underwater assistance, both national defence and regional humanitarian operations.
A Ceremony Honoring Legacy and Progress
The function was graced by top naval officials, civilian dignitaries, personnel of the erstwhile INS Nistar, and the top stakeholders of Hindustan Shipyard Limited. The mood was one of pride, advancement, and the Navy's unrelenting quest for excellence.
INS Nistar is not a ship- it's a floating icon of India's naval ambition, technological advancement, and resolute commitment to protect its maritime interests.
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