A Major Milestone for Indian Navy

The Indian Navy marked a historic achievement by commissioning INS Nistar, India’s first fully indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), on July 18, 2025. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar.

INS Nistar is a significant step forward in strengthening India’s strategic maritime capabilities and aligns with the country's Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Design, Construction & Key Technologies

Technical Specifications

Operational Capabilities

Deep-Sea Diving & Submarine Rescue

Saturation diving capability up to 300 meters

Side diving stage operations up to 75 meters

Equipped with an advanced saturation diving complex

Submarine Rescue Operations

Functions as the “Mother Ship” for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)

Can carry out submarine rescues at depths up to 650 meters

Includes 12-person self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboat for emergencies

Advanced Technological Integration

Dynamic Positioning System (DP-II) for precision during underwater operations

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) functionality up to 1,000 meters

15-ton subsea crane for deep-sea recovery missions

Side-scan sonar for seabed mapping and object detection

Historical Background & Strategic Importance

A Rich Legacy Revived

The original INS Nistar was inducted in 1971 and served until 1989

It played a key role during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, particularly in detecting the wreckage of Pakistan's submarine PNS Ghazi

Modern Strategic Significance

According to Admiral R. Hari Kumar –
“Nistar is not merely a technological platform, but the operational backbone in strategic underwater missions.”

Key impacts:

Enhances India’s image as a “Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner" in the Indian Ocean Region

Establishes India as a Maritime Security Provider in South Asia

Represents a huge boost to India's underwater warfare and rescue preparedness

Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Action

Built with Indigenous Excellence

Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam

More than 80% indigenous content

Participation of over 120 MSMEs

Compliant with Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards

Project Timeline & Budget

Contract Signing: 20 September 2018

Construction Started: 2019

Vessel Launch: September 2022

Commissioning: 18 July 2025

Total Project Cost: ₹2,400 crore for two DSVs (Nistar and Nipun)

Medical & Aviation Support Infrastructure

On-Board Medical Facilities

Fully equipped Surgical Operation Theatre

Dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

8-bed hospital with life-saving systems

6-person hyperbaric chamber for controlling diving-related illnesses

Advanced hyperbaric medical support systems for long-duration deep-sea missions

Helicopter Support

Helicopter deck supports aircraft up to 15 tons

Useful for search and rescue (SAR) missions

Enables rapid casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and logistics deployment

India in the Global Context

Among an Elite Naval Group

With INS Nistar, India joins a handful of nations that:

Possess independently developed, technologically advanced submarine rescue vessels

Provide operational redundancy in deep-sea missions

International Cooperation

India offered assistance during the Indonesian Navy’s submarine mishap in 2021

Demonstrated capabilities at:

Goa Maritime Conclave – 2021

Milan Naval Exercises – 2022 & 2024

Scheduled to participate in the Pacific Reach-2025 Exercise in Singapore

Security and Combat Features

Armed with 2 × AK-630 30mm CIWS (Close-In Weapon Systems)

Equipped with electro-optical/infrared fire control systems

State-of-the-art radar surveillance systems

Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation

UPSC & Competitive Exams – Key Takeaways

For Prelims:

INS Nistar is India’s first indigenous Diving Support Vessel

Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam

Commissioned on July 18, 2025

Sanskrit Meaning of 'Nistar': Liberation, Rescue, Relief

80%+ indigenous content, with contributions from 120 MSMEs

Its predecessor helped locate PNS Ghazi in the 1971 war

For Mains:

A milestone in Aatmanirbhar Bharat and defense indigenization

Boosts India's underwater strategic and rescue capabilities

Enhances the role of India as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region

Showcases the success of Make in India in the defense sector

Demonstrates capacity building through small enterprises (MSMEs)

📌 Conclusion:
INS Nistar is not just a warship – it symbolizes India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing, advanced maritime strategy, and regional leadership. This development is highly relevant for UPSC, State PCS, CDS, CAPF, and other competitive exams focusing on defense, science & technology, and international relations.

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