Exclusive: Indian Navy strengthens undersea rescue capability with new Diving Support Vessel Nistar.

According to information published by the Indian Ministry of Defense on July 9, 2025, the Indian Navy officially took delivery of its first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), Nistar, on July 8, 2025. The ship was delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) during a formal ceremony held at Visakhapatnam. Designed to conduct deep sea diving and submarine rescue operations, Nistar represents a major step forward in India’s naval undersea capability and its commitment to self-reliant defense production.
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Indian Navy officials and Hindustan Shipyard Limited representatives during the official delivery ceremony of the indigenous Diving Support Vessel Nistar at Visakhapatnam on July 8, 2025. (Picture source: India MoD)

The new Indian Navy Diving Support Vessel Nistar was developed according to the classification standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring it meets stringent requirements for safety, operational readiness, and structural resilience. The ship measures 118 meters in length and displaces approximately 9,865 tons. It features a state-of-the-art Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) that enables it to maintain a precise fixed location during underwater operations without the need for anchoring. This capability is essential for submarine rescue and salvage missions conducted in challenging sea conditions.

Nistar is capable of supporting deep sea saturation diving operations up to 300 meters depth, allowing divers to operate in extreme pressure environments for extended periods. It is also equipped with a specialized Side Diving Stage for operations at shallower depths, supporting missions up to 75 meters. The vessel includes a comprehensive diving complex with a multi-lock decompression chamber, hyperbaric treatment facility, and a centralized diving control station that oversees all underwater activities, ensuring safety and mission success.

One of Nistar’s most critical roles is to function as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). The ship has been specifically outfitted to support the launch, recovery, and operational management of the DSRV, which is designed to rescue submariners trapped in a disabled submarine on the seabed. This integration ensures that the Indian Navy can autonomously respond to submarine emergencies anywhere within its area of operations.

The ship also carries an array of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can operate at depths of up to 1,000 meters. These ROVs are used for diver monitoring, underwater inspection, and salvage operations in deep water or hazardous conditions. The combination of manned saturation diving and high-performance unmanned systems gives the Indian Navy unmatched flexibility in conducting undersea missions, whether during combat, peacekeeping, or disaster response operations.

Technologically advanced and strategically vital, Nistar embodies India’s progress toward maritime self-sufficiency. The vessel was built with approximately 75 percent indigenous content, showcasing the capabilities of Indian shipbuilding and aligning with national initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. The successful delivery of such a complex and high-technology platform reflects the growing maturity of Hindustan Shipyard Limited and the Indian defense industrial base.

From a strategic perspective, the induction of Nistar greatly enhances the Indian Navy’s ability to safeguard its submarine fleet and conduct independent undersea interventions across the Indian Ocean Region. It strengthens India’s preparedness for both peacetime and conflict-related contingencies involving submarine incidents or deep-sea salvage requirements. The vessel also positions India as a regional leader in submarine rescue and underwater operations, capable of contributing to multilateral missions or humanitarian efforts in neighboring maritime zones.

The new Indian Navy Nistar Diving Support Vessel is not merely a diving support vessel but a powerful symbol of India’s maritime advancement. Its cutting-edge diving systems, integrated submarine rescue capability, and advanced unmanned assets make it a game-changing addition to the Indian Navy’s support fleet. The ship fills a long-standing capability gap and reinforces India’s commitment to building a self-reliant and strategically agile naval force prepared to meet the complex challenges of underwater warfare and rescue.