India Launches First Indigenous Diving Support Ship INS Nistar

On July 9, 2025, INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was accepted into the Indian Navy. Built in Visakhapatnam by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), the acquisition of the ship will facilitate deep sea diving and rescue operations for the Navy. This development is a significant milestone for the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat support programs.

Built for India’s Deep Diving Support Operations

INS Nistar has been designed and built entirely in India, with some 75 per cent local content. It has been constructed in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) rules of construction. This represents an increasing capacity for India to be able to build advanced warships self-sufficiently.

The name Nistar comes from the Sanskrit language and means rescue or salvation. The Nistar is 118 m in length and weighs approximately 10,000 tonnes, plus it contains modern diving equipment. It has the ability, to conduct saturation diving up to 300 metres, while also providing a side diving stage for diving up to 75 metres.

Advanced Deep Sea Rescue and Support Capabilities

INS Nistar will support the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) and act as the “Mother Ship” to support rescuing personnel from submarines trapped underwater. The ship also carries Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can operate as deep as 1000 metres to support divers and underwater salvage capabilities.

Such advanced deep sea support is only found in a few of the world’s leading navies. Indian Navy’s Nistar, now enables the Indian Navy capabilities to respond to underwater emergencies at a much faster rate with advanced technologies.