Commissioning of INS Nistar

• On July 18, 2025, the Indian Navy commissioned its first indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV), 'INS Nistar', in Visakhapatnam. 
• This marks a significant milestone in India's 'Atmanirbharata' (self-reliance) campaign and showcases the country's growing capabilities in defense manufacturing.

Key Features and Capabilities of INS Nistar:

• Indigenous Design and Construction: The vessel has been indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, utilizing over 80% indigenous content.
• Purpose: Its primary objective is to conduct deep-sea diving and rescue operations for distressed submarines. It will provide crucial support to the Indian Navy's submarine fleet.
• 'Mother Ship' for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV): INS Nistar can serve as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), which is critical for rescuing personnel from trapped submarines underwater.
• Advanced Diving Capabilities: The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art diving systems, including a saturation diving complex, enabling operations up to depths of 300 meters. It also features a side diving stage that allows diving operations up to 75 meters.
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): INS Nistar also has ROVs that can operate at depths of up to 1000 meters for monitoring divers and assisting in rescue operations.
• Size and Displacement: It is 120 meters long and has a displacement of approximately 10,500 tons.
• Historical Significance: The name 'Nistar' is derived from Sanskrit, meaning liberation or rescue, which is fitting for its purpose. This name also carries forward the legacy of an older Indian Naval vessel, INS Nistar, which was crucial in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, helping to locate the sunken Pakistani submarine Ghazi outside Visakhapatnam harbor.
• Strategic Importance: The commissioning of INS Nistar will strengthen India's maritime capabilities, especially in the Indian Ocean Region. It places India among a select group of countries that possess dedicated and indigenous DSV capabilities.