Indian Navy Commissions INS Nipun: All About the 119-Metre Nistar-Class Diving Support Vessel (Video)

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, its second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday, August 31, 2026. The 119.4-metre vessel, built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), is designed for deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and rapid submarine rescue operations.

The commissioning ceremony was held in the presence of Navy chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. Weighing 10,500 tonnes, INS Nipun adds a specialised platform to the Navy's underwater operational capabilities and is also equipped to support disaster relief and humanitarian operations. Rajnath Singh Approves DRDO Missile Technology Transfer to Indian Industries for Local Production.

Indian Navy Commissions INS Nipun

INS Nipun: Key Specifications

INS Nipun is a purpose-built Diving Support Vessel designed for a wide range of specialised operations beneath the surface, according to the PIB India. The vessel is 119.4 metres long and has a displacement/capacity of approximately 10,500 tonnes.

One of its key capabilities is supporting diving operations at depths of up to 300 metres. This allows the vessel to support divers undertaking demanding underwater missions at sea. INS Nipun also has the capability to provide rapid submarine rescue, strengthening the Indian Navy's ability to respond to submarine emergencies. What Is Javelin Anti-Tank Missile System That India Plans To Purchase From the US?

Advanced Diving And Underwater Systems

Nipun is equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities. These systems are designed to provide sustained support to divers operating in challenging maritime conditions. The vessel can function as an integrated platform for complex underwater operations rather than being limited to a single type of diving mission. Its specialised facilities also support underwater intervention and medical requirements associated with diving operations.

The vessel incorporates modern systems for navigation and platform management. It also has precise station-keeping capabilities, allowing it to maintain its position while conducting specialised diving and underwater operations. These capabilities are particularly important for missions that require the vessel to remain in a designated area while divers or underwater teams operate below the surface.

Submarine Rescue Capability

A major role envisaged for INS Nipun is support for submarine rescue operations. The vessel's specialised systems and underwater capabilities will augment the Indian Navy's existing capacity to respond to submarine emergencies and provide support during rescue-related operations. Its induction therefore expands the Navy's ability to undertake specialised underwater missions across India's maritime areas of interest.

INS Nipun has been indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 30, 2026, after completion of an extensive programme of outfitting and trials. Its construction represents another step in India's effort to develop and produce specialised naval platforms through the domestic shipbuilding industry.

Second Nistar-Class Diving Support Vessel

INS Nipun is the second Diving Support Vessel of the Nistar class to enter Indian Navy service.

The commissioning follows the induction of the first vessel of the class and further develops the Navy's dedicated deep-sea diving and underwater support fleet.

Together, these specialised vessels are intended to strengthen the Navy's capacity for diving operations, underwater intervention and submarine rescue.

Disaster Relief And Humanitarian Operations

Beyond its military and underwater roles, INS Nipun can also be deployed for disaster relief and humanitarian operations. Its size, onboard facilities and specialised capabilities give the vessel flexibility for missions beyond routine naval operations.

The platform can therefore support a broader range of activities in India's maritime areas, including operations requiring specialised underwater expertise.

Boost To India’s Indigenous Defence Shipbuilding

The induction of INS Nipun is also significant from the perspective of India's defence shipbuilding programme. The vessel was indigenously designed and constructed by HSL, reflecting the growing ability of India's shipbuilding ecosystem to produce technologically advanced and specialised vessels for the Navy.

The platform's commissioning marks the transition from construction and trials to operational service and adds a specialised indigenous capability to the Indian Navy.

What INS Nipun Adds To The Indian Navy

With its 300-metre diving capability, underwater intervention systems, medical facilities, precise station keeping and submarine rescue role, INS Nipun is designed to serve as an integrated platform for complex underwater operations.

Its induction is expected to strengthen the Indian Navy's ability to undertake specialised diving and underwater missions across India's maritime areas of interest while also providing a platform that can be used for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

The commissioning of INS Nipun thus marks another addition to the Navy's specialised fleet and India's expanding capability to design and build complex naval vessels domestically.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2026 12:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).