The Indian Navy is set to commission its first indigenously designed Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam on July 18, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The vessel, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, will be formally inducted into the Eastern Naval Command to support deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations, the Navy said in a statement on Thursday.
According to the Navy, INS Nistar showcases the government’s focus on self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Over 120 MSMEs contributed to the project, which has achieved more than 80 per cent indigenous content.
The commissioning marks a step forward in the Navy’s vision of designing and building complex platforms within the country.
The new DSV carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, ex-Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the erstwhile USSR in 1969 and commissioned in 1971. The original Nistar served the Navy for two decades, playing a vital role in submarine rescue and diving operations.
The ship’s motto, Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam — which translates to Deliverance with Precision and Bravery — reflects its mission profile and operational capabilities.
At around 120 metres long and displacing more than 10,000 tonnes, INS Nistar is equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System that allows it to maintain its position with high accuracy during complex operations.
Its onboard diving complex includes both air and saturation diving systems, along with underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Side Scan SONAR, significantly expanding its operational scope. As the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), the vessel will enhance the Navy’s submarine rescue preparedness.
The ship is also equipped with an operation theatre, intensive care unit, eight-bed hospital and hyperbaric medical facilities, which are crucial for supporting rescue and diving missions.
With an endurance of over 60 days at sea, the capacity for helicopter operations and a 15-ton subsea crane, INS Nistar is expected to be a versatile addition to India’s maritime fleet.
The Navy said the induction of INS Nistar will boost India’s underwater operational capability and strengthen its strategic maritime posture across the Indian Ocean Region.
