Indian Navy Commissions a Mother Ship for Deep-Diving Rescue Subs

India’s Navy has officially commissioned the INS Nistar, a new diving support vessel (DSV) that enhances its emergency response capabilities in the Indian Ocean. This vessel marks a significant achievement in the country’s Self-Reliant India initiative, being the first DSV designed and built domestically. The commissioning of INS Nistar not only strengthens India’s naval operations but also positions the country as a key player in regional submarine rescue efforts.

INS Nistar: A Milestone in Naval Engineering

INS Nistar is the first of two DSVs constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), with the second vessel, INS Nipun, also in the pipeline. The order for both vessels was placed in 2018, but construction faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these setbacks, HSL launched both ships in September 2022, and Nistar successfully completed its sea trials in May 2024. The commissioning of Nistar one year later signifies a major step forward for the Indian Navy, enhancing its ability to respond to submarine emergencies in the region.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasized the importance of INS Nistar, stating, “INS Nistar is not just a technological asset but a crucial operational enabler.” He highlighted that the vessel will provide essential submarine rescue support not only to the Indian Navy but also to regional partners, reinforcing India’s role as a preferred submarine rescue partner in the Indian Ocean.

With a length of 118 meters and a displacement exceeding 10,000 tons, INS Nistar boasts an impressive endurance of approximately 60 days at sea. It is capable of conducting diving and salvage operations at depths of up to 300 meters. The vessel is outfitted with advanced diving equipment, including Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), a Self-Propelled Hyperbaric Life Boat, and Diving Compression Chambers, making it a vital asset for deep submergence rescue operations.

Enhancing Regional Cooperation in Submarine Rescue

Currently, the Indian Navy operates two Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) that were procured under a $250 million contract with the UK firm JFD in March 2016. These DSRVs have been functioning without an official mother ship until the arrival of INS Nistar. In 2021, the Indian Navy deployed these vehicles to assist in the rescue of the Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala-402, which tragically went missing during a military exercise in the Bali Strait. Unfortunately, the rescue mission was ultimately called off before the DSRVs could be utilized.

India’s commitment to submarine rescue operations extends beyond its own borders. Last year, South Africa signed a submarine rescue agreement with India, allowing the country to benefit from the services of Indian DSRVs during emergencies. Similarly, Singapore has established a partnership with India for submarine rescue operations. These agreements underscore India’s growing influence and capability in regional maritime security and cooperation.