Will India Commission the Indigenous Diving Support Vessel INS Nistar Today at Visakhapatnam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- INS Nistar is the first indigenously constructed Diving Support Vessel of the Indian Navy.
- It is designed to enhance underwater operational capabilities.
- The vessel has over 80% indigenous content.
- It plays a critical role in submarine rescue operations.
- INS Nistar is a testament to India's defence self-reliance.
New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) In a landmark achievement for India’s naval capabilities and homegrown defence manufacturing, the Indian Navy is set to commission its inaugural indigenously constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, this Friday at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.
The commissioning ceremony will be attended by the Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, alongside Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and other notable dignitaries to celebrate this momentous event.
On Thursday, the Eastern Naval Command shared on its official X handle, "Nistar – Deliverance with Precision and Bravery. Join us as we witness a historic moment with the commissioning of this indigenously built Diving Support Vessel by the Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri."
The term ‘Nistar’ comes from Sanskrit, signifying liberation, rescue, or salvation.
This vessel has been designed and constructed entirely in India by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), representing a major step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence production.
With over 80% indigenous content and contributions from approximately 120 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), INS Nistar exemplifies India’s ability to produce complex and advanced naval platforms that meet global standards.
Measuring around 120 meters in length and 20 meters in width, with a displacement exceeding 10,500 tons (Gross Registered Tonnage), the vessel is engineered for critical underwater missions, including deep-sea diving operations and submarine rescue.
INS Nistar features a cutting-edge diving complex distributed across multiple decks, specifically designed to support saturation diving missions.
Its capabilities are augmented by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and its function as a mothership for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).
In case of a submarine emergency, INS Nistar is equipped to deploy ROVs for underwater evaluations and the DSRV for crew evacuation, providing a crucial layer of safety and support for the Indian Navy's submariners.
The vessel’s induction highlights the Indian Navy's steadfast commitment to enhancing its underwater operational capabilities, while also showcasing India’s expanding defence industrial base.
INS Nistar’s addition to the fleet not only strengthens naval infrastructure but also serves as a powerful symbol of India’s strides towards establishing a self-reliant and future-ready defence force.