Visakhapatnam – The Indian Navy is poised to strengthen its underwater operational capabilities with the commissioning of its first-in-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV), Nistar, on July 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony, set to be graced by Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence production, showcasing the nation’s indigenous shipbuilding prowess.
A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta
The Nistar, designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, is a shining example of India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). With over 80% indigenous content, the vessel’s construction involved 120 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting the collaborative spirit of India’s defence ecosystem. This ambitious project aligns with the Indian Navy’s vision to design and build complex platforms domestically, reducing reliance on foreign technology and fostering innovation.
The vessel’s advanced design and cutting-edge technology position it as a cornerstone of India’s maritime strategy, enhancing operational readiness in the underwater domain and reinforcing the nation’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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#Nistar, the first indigenously constructed Diving Support Vessel was delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited to the #IndianNavy on #08Jul 25 at Visakhapatnam.
Measuring 118 m with a tonnage of nearly 10,000 tons, the ship is installed with state-of-the-art equipment & has… pic.twitter.com/vcaXgYA04F— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 9, 2025
A Legacy Reborn
The Nistar carries forward the legacy of its predecessor, ex-Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the erstwhile USSR in 1969 and commissioned in 1971. For two decades, ex-Nistar played a pivotal role in the Indian Navy’s diving and submarine rescue operations. The new Nistar continues this proud tradition, embodying its motto, ‘Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam’—‘Deliverance with Precision and Bravery.’ This motto encapsulates the vessel’s primary roles: supporting deep-sea diving and submarine rescue missions with unmatched accuracy and courage.
Cutting-Edge Features and Capabilities
The Nistar is a marvel of modern engineering, measuring approximately 120 meters in length and displacing over 10,000 tons. Equipped with a Dynamic Positioning System, the vessel can maintain its position with pinpoint accuracy, even in challenging sea conditions. Its expansive diving complex includes both Air and Saturation Diving Systems, complemented by underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Side Scan SONAR. These features significantly enhance the ship’s operational capabilities, making it a vital asset for complex underwater missions.
As the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), Nistar bolsters the Indian Navy’s submarine rescue preparedness, ensuring rapid and effective response in emergency situations. The vessel is also equipped with a 15-ton subsea crane, enabling it to handle heavy underwater tasks with ease.
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Advanced Medical and Operational Facilities
Beyond its diving and rescue capabilities, Nistar is outfitted with a comprehensive medical suite, including an Operation Theatre, an Intensive Care Unit, an eight-bedded hospital, and hyperbaric medical facilities. These amenities are critical for supporting the crew and divers during extended operations, ensuring their safety and well-being.
With an endurance of over 60 days at sea, Nistar is designed for prolonged missions. Its ability to conduct helicopter operations and its robust infrastructure make it a versatile platform capable of addressing a wide range of operational needs.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Posture
The commissioning of Nistar into the Eastern Naval Command marks a significant step forward in enhancing India’s underwater operational readiness. The vessel’s advanced capabilities will play a crucial role in supporting deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations, ensuring the safety of naval personnel and assets.
Moreover, Nistar reinforces India’s strategic maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region, a critical area for global trade and security. By bolstering its underwater capabilities, the Indian Navy is better equipped to safeguard its maritime interests and respond to emerging challenges in the region.
A Milestone for Indigenous Defence Production
The successful construction of Nistar underscores the growing capabilities of India’s defence industry. Hindustan Shipyard Limited’s role in delivering this state-of-the-art vessel highlights the potential of Indian shipyards to produce world-class platforms. The involvement of 120 MSMEs further demonstrates the strength of India’s industrial ecosystem, fostering economic growth and innovation at the grassroots level.
As the Indian Navy continues to modernize and expand its fleet, Nistar stands as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to self-reliance and technological advancement. The vessel’s induction is not just a naval achievement but a national one, symbolizing India’s resolve to chart its own path in defence production.
The commissioning of Nistar on July 18, 2025, will be a moment of pride for the Indian Navy and the nation as a whole. As the vessel joins the Eastern Naval Command, it will play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and enhancing its operational capabilities. With its advanced technology, indigenous design, and versatile capabilities, Nistar is set to make waves in the Indian Ocean and beyond, carrying forward a legacy of precision, bravery, and excellence.
