INS Nipun
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 31 August 2026. The induction significantly strengthens India’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations.
The commissioning is also an important milestone in India’s drive towards Aatmanirbharta in defence shipbuilding, as INS Nipun has been indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
What is INS Nipun?
INS Nipun is a specialised Diving Support Vessel (DSV) designed to undertake complex underwater and deep-sea operations. It is the second vessel of the indigenous Nistar class, following INS Nistar, which was commissioned in July 2025.
Nipun was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 July 2026 after completing outfitting and trials. Its commissioning at Mumbai gives the Navy specialised underwater support capability on the western coast, complementing INS Nistar on the eastern coast.
Advanced Capabilities of INS Nipun
The vessel is equipped to support a wide range of specialised operations, including:
- Deep-sea diving
- Saturation diving
- Underwater intervention
- Salvage operations
- Submarine rescue
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
Its advanced systems include specialised diving equipment, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), diving support facilities and a Dynamic Positioning System for precise station-keeping during underwater operations.
INS Nipun can also function as a mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs). This capability allows the Navy to respond to emergencies involving distressed submarines and assist in the evacuation of personnel.
Significance for India’s Maritime Security
The commissioning of INS Nipun strengthens India’s ability to operate in the increasingly important underwater domain.
With INS Nistar and INS Nipun positioned on the eastern and western coasts respectively, the Indian Navy gains a two-ship, two-coast capability for specialist diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue.
The capability is particularly significant for submarine safety, underwater emergencies, salvage operations and maritime contingencies. It also strengthens India’s role as a potential “Preferred Submarine Rescue Partner” in the Indian Ocean Region.
A Step Towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat
INS Nipun demonstrates India’s growing ability to design and manufacture technologically sophisticated naval platforms domestically.
Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, the vessel reflects the government’s emphasis on indigenous defence production and specialised shipbuilding capabilities. At the time of delivery, the vessel had nearly 75% indigenous content, highlighting progress towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Conclusion
The commissioning of INS Nipun marks an important advancement in India’s underwater operational capabilities. By combining deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, underwater intervention and indigenous shipbuilding, the vessel strengthens the Indian Navy’s preparedness for complex maritime operations.
Together with INS Nistar, Nipun enhances India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests and respond effectively to underwater emergencies across both coasts.
FAQs: INS Nipun
What is INS Nipun?
INS Nipun is a Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV) commissioned by the Indian Navy for deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and specialised maritime operations.
What are the major capabilities of INS Nipun?
INS Nipun supports deep-sea diving, saturation diving, salvage operations, underwater intervention and submarine rescue missions.
Which organisation built INS Nipun?
INS Nipun was indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, supporting India’s defence self-reliance.
How does INS Nipun strengthen India’s submarine rescue capability?
The vessel can serve as a mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), enabling the Navy to respond to distressed submarine emergencies.
Why is INS Nipun important for India’s maritime security?
INS Nipun strengthens India’s underwater operational capabilities, maritime preparedness and submarine rescue capacity, while supporting specialised operations across the Indian Ocean Region.
