Nistar: India’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel

Hindustan Shipyard Limited delivered ‘Nistar’, the first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel, to the Indian Navy. The delivery took place on 08 Jul 2025 at Visakhapatnam.

The warship has been designed and built as per classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). The ship is highly specialised. It can undertake Deep Sea Diving and Rescue Operations. This capability is available with select Navies across the globe.

The ship’s name, ‘Nistar ’, originates from Sanskrit and means liberation, rescue or salvation. The ship measures 118 m and has a tonnage of nearly 10,000 tons. It is installed with state-of-the-art Diving Equipment. It has the capability to undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving up to 300 m depth. The ship also has a Side Diving Stage for undertaking Diving Operations up to 75 m depth.

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The ship will also serve as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV). It will rescue and evacuate personnel in case of an emergency in a submarine underwater. The ship is equipped with Remotely Operated Vehicles. These vehicles undertake Diver Monitoring and Salvage Operations up to a depth of 1000 m.

A Symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in Action

The delivery of Nistar, with nearly 75% indigenous content, is a significant milestone. It marks progress in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous construction. It aligns with the GoI’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India campaign.

The achievement aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative championed by the Government of India. India is equipping its naval forces with homegrown platforms and technologies. This approach is steadily reducing its dependency on foreign defense imports. It is also boosting its domestic defense ecosystem.

Commitment to Maritime Security and Operational Readiness

It’s launch sends a clear message about the Navy’s operational readiness and strategic capability. The Indian Ocean Region is becoming an increasingly contested space. Such advancements are crucial for India to retain superiority in safeguarding its maritime interests.

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