Indian Navy boosts strength with indigenous addition, INS Nistar joins fleet; Know its key features

The Indian Navy has achieved another significant milestone with the induction of the country’s first indigenous diving support vessel, INS Nistar, into its fleet. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the ship is highly capable of conducting relief and rescue operations. INS Nistar will not only enhance the Navy’s strategic capabilities but also mark a major step forward in India’s journey toward self-reliance

New Delhi: Another important and indigenous construction has been added to the Indian Navy fleet today. INS Nistar was officially assigned to the Navy in the presence of Union Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth at a ceremony held at Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam.

According to the information received by the Dynamite News correspondent, INS is the first indigenous diving support vessel (DSV) in the country. Which was handed over to the Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited on 8 July 2025.

Made in India

This vessel is completely designed and manufactured in India. INS Nistor has been constructed as per the rules of the Indian Shipping Register (IRS). 80% of the equipment used in it is indigenous, and 120 MSME companies across the country have contributed to the project. Which has further strengthened the 'Make in India' campaign.

INS Nistar is a state-of-the-art ship that can carry out the diving mission to 300 meters depth of the sea. It acts as a 'mother ship' for DSRV (Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle); i.e.,if an emergency situation arises in a submarine, this ship can be used in rescue work. Through this, diving experts can be sent up to 1000 meters deep.

Name implies its objective

The name of the ship is derived from the Sanskrit word that means 'rescue' or 'liberation.' This name only shows the purpose of this ship—saving the lives of the navies trapped in crisis and assisting in difficult campaigns.

India exports arms

On this occasion, Union Minister of State for Defense Sanjay Seth said that India is now becoming an exporter, not an importer, of military equipment. He informed us that India has so far exported arms worth Rs 23,622 crore, and now this target is ready to be taken up to 50,000 crores. Tripathi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh, said that the involvement of INS disposal has increased the ability to work deep into the sea manifold. Older ships never die; they return to a new form, and the disposal is proof of this.

Historical steps towards self-sufficiency in the defense sector

INS Nistor is a milestone for India's defense industry. The ship will play an important role in relief, rescue, repair, and other diving operations. Only a few countries in the world have such capacity, and now India has joined this list.