Visakhapatnam – In a historic moment for India’s maritime defence capabilities, INS Nistar, the nation’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam today. The commissioning ceremony was graced by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), INS Nistar is the first of two Diving Support Vessels being developed for the Indian Navy. The state-of-the-art vessel has been meticulously engineered to perform complex deep-sea saturation diving and submarine rescue operations, a capability that only a handful of global navies currently possess.
Strategic Importance & Capabilities
INS Nistar spans 118 metres in length, displacing over 10,000 tons, and is equipped with cutting-edge diving equipment, including:
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Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)
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Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Life Boats
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Diving Compression Chambers
These capabilities enable the vessel to perform diving and salvage operations up to a depth of 300 meters. Additionally, Nistar will function as a ‘Mother Ship’ to a Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), essential for rescuing crew from distressed submarines submerged at significant depths.
Voices from the Ceremony
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth praised the Indian Navy and the indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem, stating:
“INS Nistar’s commissioning reinforces the Indian Navy’s role as the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the region. This is a monumental step in building a future-ready, self-reliant maritime force.”
He highlighted that all 57 warships currently under construction for the Indian Navy are being built indigenously, a strong endorsement of the nation’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, described Nistar as:
“Not just a technological asset, but a crucial operational enabler. It enhances our submarine rescue capabilities and bolsters India’s emergence as a Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner in the Indo-Pacific region.”
A Testament to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
INS Nistar showcases over 80% indigenous content and active participation from 120 MSMEs, solidifying India’s position as a producer of sophisticated maritime assets comparable to global standards. It also symbolizes the maturity and resilience of India’s growing maritime industrial base.
Ceremony Highlights
The event was attended by:
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Senior naval officials
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Civilian dignitaries
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The crew of the erstwhile INS Nistar
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Representatives from Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Their presence celebrated not just the ship’s induction, but the legacy and future of Indian maritime dominance.
Conclusion
With the commissioning of INS Nistar, India has once again demonstrated its resolve to create a technologically advanced, operationally capable, and strategically autonomous naval force. This vessel is not just a defence asset but a symbol of national pride, innovation, and strategic foresight.
Source: PIB
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