Indian Navy Inducts Indigenous Diving Support Vessel 'Nistar'

• 10 Jul 2025

On 9th July 2025, the Indian Navy officially inducted INS Nistar, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), marking a major milestone in India’s pursuit of maritime self-reliance.

• The vessel was formally handed over to the Indian Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited during a ceremonial event held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), Nistar is a state-of-the-art warship capable of advanced Deep Sea Diving and Rescue Operations.
• The name Nistar, meaning liberation, rescue, or salvation in Sanskrit, reflects the vessel’s primary mission of underwater rescue and emergency support.
• The 118-meter-long vessel displaces nearly 10,000 tons and is equipped with sophisticated diving systems that enable saturation diving up to depths of 300 meters.
• A dedicated side diving stage on board further supports underwater missions to depths of up to 75 meters, enhancing the Navy’s operational versatility.
• Nistar will serve as the Mother Ship for India’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which is critical for submarine rescue and evacuation operations.