Singapore, Sep 15 (NationPress) The Indian Navy's newest indigenously developed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, along with the Submarine Rescue Unit East (SRU East), has successfully made its first port call at Changi Naval Base in Singapore as part of the upcoming Exercise Pacific Reach XPR-25, as announced by the Indian Defence Ministry on Monday.

The multinational submarine rescue exercise Pacific Reach 2025 commenced on Monday and will take place until September 25. This exercise includes the participation of three submarines, four Submarine Rescue Motherships (MOSHIPS), and various countries alongside the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO).

Members of the Singapore Navy (RSN) and representatives from the Indian High Commission in Singapore extended a warm reception to the INS Nistar and SRU(E) during their inaugural visit.

This is the third instance that Singapore is hosting the multilateral Submarine Escape Rescue Exercise.

Under the Command and Control of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, INS Nistar stands as a remarkable embodiment of India's commitment to self-reliance and progress towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding.

Commissioned in July, this vessel has achieved over 80 percent indigenization. Equipped with advanced Side Scan Sonar, Work and observation class ROVs, and extensive deep-sea diving systems, it will serve as the mothership (MoSHIP) for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).

“With the integration of two DSRVs in 2018-19, one for each coastline, India has entered the elite group of nations operating specialized submarine rescue systems. These systems can be deployed from Vessels of Opportunity (VoO) or airlifted to the nearest mobilization port for quick response to remote marine areas,” stated the Indian Navy.

“The Submarine Rescue Unit (East) will be functioning from the mothership during the biennial submarine rescue exercise in the South China Sea, focusing on uniting submarine rescue platforms and resources from various nations to streamline procedures, enhance best practices, and improve interoperability,” it added.

Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, hosted by Singapore, anticipates the involvement of over 40 nations as active participants or observers. The exercise will primarily unfold across two phases – a harbour phase and a sea phase. The week-long harbour phase will encompass extensive discussions on submarine rescue systems, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), medical symposiums, and cross-deck visits among the participating nations.

The sea phase of the exercise will feature INS Nistar and SRU(E) engaging in numerous intervention and rescue operations alongside other participating assets in the South China Sea.