New Delhi: Indian Navy’s latest indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, made its maiden port call at Changi Naval Base, Singapore on September 14, 2025. Operating under the Command and Control of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, INS Nistar is participating in the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR 25), commencing on September 15, 2025.
INS Nistar: Advanced Indigenous Diving Support Vessel
Commissioned on July 18, 2025, INS Nistar embodies India’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in shipbuilding with over 80% indigenous content. The vessel measures approximately 120 meters in length with a displacement around 10,000 tonnes, and boasts an endurance of over 60 days at sea. Equipped with state-of-the-art diving systems including Side Scan Sonar, Work & Observation-Class Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and expansive deep sea diving capabilities, it functions as the mothership (MoSHIP) for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).
The ship supports submarine rescue and deep-sea diving operations, with saturation diving systems capable of going up to 300 meters depth and a side diving stage for operations up to 75 meters. It also features Dynamic Positioning System (DP-II), a 15-tonne subsea crane, a helipad, medical facilities including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and has robust underwater surveillance and recovery capabilities.
Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 Overview
Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, hosted by Singapore, includes the participation of over 40 nations either as active participants or observers. The biennial multinational exercise focuses on submarine rescue cooperation and interoperability, enhancing operational efficiencies in underwater rescue.
The exercise encompasses two main phases: a week-long harbor phase consisting of expert discussions, medical symposiums, and cross deck visits; followed by the sea phase featuring intervention and rescue operations involving participating assets in the South China Sea.
Significance for India and Regional Cooperation
With the commissioning of two Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) in 2018-19, India joined an elite league capable of submarine rescue operations at depths up to 650 meters. INS Nistar acts as a mothership for these vehicles, facilitating rapid deployment to distant rescue sites via airlift or vessels of opportunity.
Participation in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 underscores India’s commitment to regional maritime security and submarine rescue interoperability. It strengthens ties with partner navies and reinforces India’s strategic role in underwater operational excellence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Conclusion
INS Nistar’s maiden overseas deployment and active participation in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 highlight India’s advanced indigenous naval capabilities and dedication to multilateral maritime cooperation. The vessel’s cutting-edge technology and strategic role significantly enhance India’s submarine rescue and deep-sea diving operations.
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Source: PIB
