The Indian Navy to Commission DSV Nistar on July 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, marking a pivotal advancement in India’s undersea rescue capabilities. This commissioning ceremony, to be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology, with the vessel boasting over 80% indigenous content. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited with contributions from more than 120 MSMEs, Nistar is a state-of-the-art Diving Support Vessel equipped for deep-sea submarine rescue operations, featuring advanced diving systems, Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and comprehensive medical facilities.
Measuring approximately 120 meters in length and displacing nearly 10,000 tonnes, Nistar will serve as the “Mother Ship” for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and strategic maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region. This event not only continues the legacy of the original INS Nistar, commissioned in 1971, but also exemplifies India’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, strengthening its defence manufacturing capabilities and maritime security framework. Additionally, the focus on advanced naval assets like Nistar aligns with the ongoing enhancements to the defence budget, further supporting India’s strategic defence objectives.
Indian Navy to Commission DSV Nistar: Event Details
The highly anticipated event, Indian Navy to Commission DSV Nistar, is scheduled for July 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. The ceremony will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking the formal induction of this advanced, indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV) into the Eastern Naval Command. This commissioning is a major milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence production and significantly strengthens the Navy’s deep-sea diving and submarine rescue capabilities. The addition of DSV Nistar will further enhance operational readiness, support critical undersea missions, and reinforce India’s maritime security posture in the Indian Ocean Region.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Indian Navy to Commission DSV Nistar |
| Date | July 18, 2025 |
| Venue | Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam |
| Chief Guest | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh |
| Significance | Formal induction into Eastern Naval Command; major boost to undersea rescue capabilities |
| Strategic Impact | Enhances deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and operational readiness in Indian Ocean Region |
About DSV Nistar
The commissioning of DSV Nistar by the Indian Navy marks a significant milestone as it is the nation’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV). Measuring 118 meters in length and displacing nearly 10,000 tonnes, the DSV Nistar is engineered for advanced deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations—capabilities possessed by only a select few navies around the world. This vessel is equipped for saturation diving down to 300 meters and features a side diving stage for operations up to 75 meters.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | First indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV) |
| Length | 118 meters |
| Displacement | Nearly 10,000 tonnes |
| Indigenous Content | Over 75% (built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited with 120+ MSMEs) |
| Key Capabilities | Deep sea saturation diving (up to 300m), side diving stage (up to 75m), ROVs (up to 1000m) |
| Primary Role | Mother Ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV); submarine rescue & diving operations |
| Medical Facilities | Operation Theatre, ICU, 8-bed hospital, hyperbaric chamber |
| Operational Endurance | 60+ days at sea; helicopter operations; 15-ton subsea crane |
| Strategic Impact | Enhances Indian Navy’s submarine rescue and undersea operational readiness |
| Commissioning | Scheduled for July 18, 2025, at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam |
Additionally, it is fitted with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can operate at depths of up to 1,000 meters. DSV Nistar will serve as the “Mother Ship” for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), enabling swift and effective rescues of submarine crews during underwater emergencies. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam, the ship incorporates over 75% indigenous content and involved contributions from more than 120 Indian MSMEs. This achievement aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The DSV Nistar not only enhances India’s submarine rescue preparedness but also showcases the nation’s growing expertise in complex maritime engineering and defence manufacturing.
Capabilities & Role
The commissioning of DSV Nistar represents a significant advancement in India’s deep-sea rescue and undersea operations. Designed to provide advanced support during submarine emergencies, DSV Nistar is equipped with a state-of-the-art Dynamic Positioning System, which ensures precise station-keeping during complex underwater missions. The vessel features a comprehensive diving complex, which includes both Air and Saturation Diving Systems, allowing operations at depths of up to 300 meters, as well as a side diving stage for shallower tasks down to 75 meters. Additionally, DSV Nistar is enhanced with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) capable of functioning at depths of up to 1,000 meters and Side Scan SONAR for thorough underwater search and salvage operations.
As the “Mother Ship” for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), Nistar significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s submarine rescue capabilities, making India one of only a few countries worldwide with such advanced technology. Onboard, the ship is equipped with a complete suite of medical facilities, which includes an operating theatre, an intensive care unit, an eight-bed hospital, and a hyperbaric chamber, ensuring readiness for extended and high-risk missions. With an endurance of over 60 days at sea, DSV Nistar can also support helicopter operations and deploy a 15-ton subsea crane, making it a versatile platform for a wide range of naval tasks.
The commissioning of DSV Nistar not only strengthens India’s operational readiness and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region but also underscores the nation’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing and technological self-reliance.
Legacy & Motto
The Indian Navy to Commission DSV Nistar proudly continues the legacy of the original INS Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the Soviet Union and commissioned in 1971. The Soviet-origin INS Nistar played a vital role for two decades, notably contributing to diving and submarine rescue operations, including during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. This historic vessel was equipped with a rescue bell, enabling deep-sea crew recovery and setting the foundation for India’s undersea rescue capabilities.
Carrying forward this proud heritage, the new DSV Nistar embodies the spirit and mission of its predecessor with modern, indigenous technology. The ship’s motto, “Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam” — which translates to “Deliverance with Precision and Bravery” — encapsulates its critical role in safeguarding submarine crews and executing precise rescue operations under challenging conditions. This motto reflects the vessel’s commitment to combining cutting-edge technology with the courage and dedication of the Indian Navy’s divers and crew.
By commissioning the new DSV Nistar, the Indian Navy not only honours its past but also signals a bold step into the future of maritime safety and strategic undersea operations, reinforcing its position as a leading naval power in the Indian Ocean Region.Strategic Importance
The commissioning of the DSV Nistar represents a significant advancement in India’s maritime capabilities, notably enhancing the Navy’s readiness for submarine rescue operations and complex undersea missions. As a state-of-the-art platform designed for deep-sea diving and rescue, the DSV Nistar ensures that the Indian Navy can respond promptly and effectively to submarine emergencies—an ability only possessed by a few navies worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is DSV Nistar, and why is its commissioning significant for the Indian Navy?
DSV Nistar is the Indian Navy’s first indigenously built Diving Support Vessel, designed for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue operations. Its commissioning marks a major boost to India’s undersea rescue capabilities and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
2. When and where will the Indian Navy commission DSV Nistar?
The Indian Navy will commission DSV Nistar on July 18, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
3. What are the key features and capabilities of DSV Nistar?
DSV Nistar is 118 meters long, displaces nearly 10,000 tonnes, and is equipped with advanced diving systems, Dynamic Positioning System, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Side Scan SONAR, medical facilities including an ICU and hyperbaric chamber, and can operate at sea for over 60 days.
4. How does DSV Nistar support submarine rescue operations?
The vessel serves as the “Mother Ship” for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), enabling swift rescue of submarine crews in distress and supporting complex underwater missions.
5. What makes DSV Nistar an example of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative?
Over 80% of DSV Nistar’s components are indigenous, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited with contributions from more than 120 MSMEs, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production.
6. What is the legacy of the original INS Nistar?
The original INS Nistar was a Soviet-origin submarine rescue vessel commissioned in 1971, which played a key role in diving and rescue operations for two decades, including during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
7. What is the motto of DSV Nistar, and what does it mean?
The ship’s motto is “Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam,” which translates to “Deliverance with Precision and Bravery,” reflecting its critical mission profile.
8. Will there be more Diving Support Vessels like Nistar in the Indian Navy?
Yes, DSV Nistar is the first of a two-member class, with its sister ship, DSV Nipun, expected to join the fleet soon
How does DSV Nistar enhance India’s maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region?
By providing advanced submarine rescue and deep-sea operational support, DSV Nistar significantly strengthens India’s maritime posture and operational readiness in the Indian Ocean Region
Its induction into the Eastern Naval Command not only bolsters India’s operational preparedness but also strengthens the nation’s maritime position in the Indian Ocean Region, a vital area for national security and regional influence. Furthermore, as the first vessel of its kind to be indigenously designed and constructed in India, the DSV Nistar represents a milestone in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, highlighting India’s growing technological sovereignty and commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Author’s words: What to Expect
As the Indian Navy to Commission DSV Nistar on July 18, this event stands as a proud milestone for India’s maritime ambitions and self-reliance. The commissioning of DSV Nistar not only strengthens the Navy’s ability to conduct complex undersea rescue missions but also highlights India’s growing leadership in indigenous defence technology. Readers are encouraged to follow our live updates and share this historic news to celebrate India’s advancements in maritime security. Stay tuned, as the Navy’s capabilities will soon be further enhanced with the arrival of the second Diving Support Vessel, DSV Nipun.
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