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The Indian Navy has received INS Nistar, the nation’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) at Visakhapatnam.
Set to be officially commissioned on 18 July 2025, this vessel represents a strategic leap in India’s underwater operations, particularly in submarine rescue and deep-sea missions.
With nearly 75% indigenous content, INS Nistar is not just a support vessel—it is a symbol of technological sovereignty and a critical pillar in the Indian Navy’s expanding deep-sea warfare and rescue capabilities. Developed in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules, this is a major milestone in the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Why Nistar Matters?
Measuring 118 meters and displacing 9,350 tons, INS Nistar is equipped with cutting-edge diving and rescue technology. It can support deep-sea saturation diving operations up to 300 meters, conduct mid-depth missions up to 75 meters using its side diving stage, and deploy Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for monitoring and salvage up to 1,000 meters. Additionally, it houses the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), which is capable of rescuing trapped submariners from depths of up to 650 meters.
The ship can remain at sea for 60 days, supports over 200 personnel, and enables helicopter operations, providing a robust platform for complex underwater missions on India’s eastern seaboard. Its sister ship, INS Nipun, is expected to bolster the western fleet later this year.
A Legacy Reclaimed: From Ghazi to Nistar
The name ‘Nistar’, rooted in Sanskrit, means liberation, rescue, or salvation—a fitting tribute to its predecessor, which played a historic role during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Back then, an older Diving Tender named Nistar was instrumental in locating and confirming the destruction of PNS Ghazi, Pakistan’s most feared submarine, near the coast of Visakhapatnam.
Today’s Nistar, a modern reincarnation, is not only more powerful but also fully indigenous—a sharp contrast to the vintage platform used in 1971. Where the earlier vessel contributed to a defensive milestone, the new INS Nistar is designed to both protect and project, rescuing trapped submariners, conducting salvage operations, and supporting India’s expanding submarine fleet.
Strengthening Underwater Resilience Amid Regional Tensions
India’s naval modernisation is in full swing. With 17 diesel-electric and two nuclear ballistic submarines, and plans underway for nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), the demand for dedicated support systems has become urgent. Until now, the Navy had to rely on ONGC and private firms for underwater support during emergencies.
Now, with INS Nistar and the upcoming INS Nipun, India possesses the tools to rescue its submarines—and those of allies if required—without external dependence.
This upgrade is timely. Pakistan, backed by Chinese military support, is acquiring eight new submarines, with half of them being built in Karachi. China continues to maintain an assertive submarine presence in the Indian Ocean. In this environment, platforms like INS Nistar provide India with a strategic cushion, ensuring operational readiness in both conflict and crises.
Looking Ahead
By enhancing deep-sea rescue, diving, and salvage capabilities, India is preparing for the realities of modern underwater warfare.
Team BharatShakti
