INS Nipun, second Nistar-class diving support vessel, commissioned

INS Nipun: what happened?

When a submarine is in trouble deep under water, few navies can reach it. Diving support vessels carry divers, remotely operated systems and life support for such work. INS Nipun adds to a capability the CNS said only a handful of navies have.

• INS Nipun, second Diving Support Vessel of the Nistar class, was commissioned at Mumbai on 31 Aug 2026; built by Hindustan Shipyard, Visakhapatnam [PIB].
• It boosts deep-sea diving and submarine rescue [PIB].

What can it do?

• Support saturation, air and heliox diving.
• Use remotely operated underwater systems for inspection and intervention.
• Hold position with dynamic positioning and run diving complexes with life-support and medical facilities.
• Respond to distressed submarines of India and partner nations, and help in salvage and HADR.

What did the CNS say?

• All diving systems were proven in a single sortie during sea trials.
• INS Nipun positions India as the “Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner” in the region.
• Ship’s mottos: “Far Beneath, Few Beyond” and “Nischay, Nirbhay, Nipun”.

What can Prelims ask on INS Nipun?

• INS Nipun: second Nistar-class DSV; built by HSL Visakhapatnam; commissioned 31 Aug 2026.
• Supports saturation, air and heliox diving and submarine rescue.