In a landmark step toward naval self-reliance, the Indian Navy on Friday commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The vessel marks a significant milestone under the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, who hailed the occasion as a “proud moment” for the nation.
“On this special day, the entire country proudly echoes the call for Aatmanirbharta. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s dedication and leadership are a matter of pride for 1.4 billion Indians,” said Seth.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi described the commissioning as a historic day for the Indian Navy and the nation, saying, “India’s first indigenously designed and built DSV is a moment of immense pride. This event not only strengthens our maritime capabilities but also reaffirms India’s growing shipbuilding prowess.”
He recalled the legacy of the earlier INS Nistar, which served during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, aiding in the detection of the Pakistani submarine Ghazi.
“The new Nistar revives that proud legacy with advanced capabilities and renewed purpose,” he added.
Delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on July 8, 2025, the 118-meter-long vessel has a displacement of nearly 10,000 tons. Designed under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), INS Nistar is equipped with:
- Deep Sea Saturation Diving capability up to 300 meters
- Side diving stage for operations up to 75 meters
- Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for diver monitoring and salvage up to 1,000 meters
- Mother ship support for the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV)
With nearly 75% indigenous content, the vessel reflects India’s accelerating push towards naval indigenisation and technological self-reliance. It is a major achievement under the Make in India campaign.
The name ‘Nistar’, derived from Sanskrit, translates to liberation or rescue, aptly reflecting the vessel’s mission to conduct deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and salvage operations—capabilities held by only a few navies globally.
INS Nistar is expected to significantly boost the Indian Navy’s underwater operational and rescue capabilities, making it a vital strategic asset in the maritime domain.
