The Indian Navy is set to commission the first-of-its-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV) named Nistar on 18 July 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. The event will be graced by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. This vessel is indigenously designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, marking milestone in India’s defence self-reliance and maritime capability.
Background and Significance
Nistar revives the legacy of the earlier submarine rescue vessel ex-Nistar, acquired from the USSR in 1969 and commissioned in 1971. The original ship served the Indian Navy for two decades in diving and submarine rescue operations. The new Nistar continues this heritage with advanced technology and enhanced capabilities. It symbolises India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta in defence manufacturing.
Design and Indigenous Content
The vessel measures approximately 120 metres in length and displaces over 10,000 tons. It features a Dynamic Positioning System that allows it to maintain precise positioning at sea. More than 80% of its components are indigenous, involving 120 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in its construction. This project reflects the Indian Navy’s vision of designing and constructing complex indigenous platforms.
Operational Capabilities
Nistar is equipped with a comprehensive diving complex that includes Air and Saturation Diving Systems. It carries underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Side Scan SONAR to enhance underwater search and rescue operations. The ship acts as a ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), boosting the Navy’s submarine rescue preparedness.
Medical and Support Facilities
The vessel has an onboard Operation Theatre, Intensive Care Unit, an eight-bedded hospital, and Hyperbaric Medical Facilities. These are essential for supporting deep-sea diving operations and treating emergencies during rescue missions. The ship’s endurance exceeds 60 days at sea, allowing extended missions without frequent port calls.
Versatility and Strategic Role
Nistar supports helicopter operations and has a 15-ton subsea crane for heavy underwater tasks. Its commissioning strengthens India’s underwater operational capabilities and enhances strategic maritime posture in the Indian Ocean Region. The vessel’s induction into the Eastern Naval Command boosts the Navy’s preparedness for deep-sea and submarine rescue missions.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of the Indian Navy’s Diving Support Vessel Nistar, discuss the importance of indigenous defence manufacturing in enhancing national security and self-reliance.
- Examine the role of Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV) in submarine safety. How do such platforms contribute to maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region?
- Analyse the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean Region for India’s naval operations and discuss how modern naval platforms help safeguard these interests.
- With suitable examples, critically discuss the impact of technological advancements in underwater rescue operations on the operational readiness of navies worldwide.
