The Indian Navy commissioned INS NIPUN, the second ‘Nistar’ class Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard. Mumbai on 31st August 2026. This is considered a great boon to our Navy’s underwater diving, underwater intervention, and submarine rescue capabilities. The first-ever indigenously developed and built vessel designed and built at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. Visakhapatnam has sophisticated underwater-diving facilities for personnel, capable of submergence in adverse environments and pressures of the high seas. It can perform tasks such as inspection, maintenance, salvage, among others while it stays at sea, far away from shore for long periods.
It will provide increased capabilities in support of submarine-rescue operations- a vital skill that will protect crews and response personnel in submerged situations. Vessels like this are used to embark divers, remote systems and specialist rescue gear to operate as afloat platforms.
Induction of INS Nipun showcases the growing Indian capacity in indigenous design and manufacture of complex naval platforms, and it further bolsters the overall defence-shipbuilding industry in India through the contribution of Indian shipyards, equipment providers & supporting industries. She makes inroads into the Navy at a time when underwater surveillance, operation of submarines, and security of sea-based infrastructure are assuming prime importance.
