New Delhi: The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar Class, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on Monday.
The induction strengthens the Navy’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention, salvage and submarine rescue operations.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, also attended the ceremony.
Senior naval officers, representatives of Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), veterans, distinguished guests and families of the commissioning crew were present at the event.
INS Nipun has been indigenously designed and constructed by HSL in Visakhapatnam. Its induction highlights India’s growing ability to design and build technologically complex specialist naval platforms, according to an official statement.
The vessel also represents another step towards Aatmanirbharta in defence shipbuilding. Its construction involved Indian shipyards, domestic industry and associated agencies supporting the Navy’s indigenous capabilities.
INS Nipun has been purpose-built for deep-sea diving and underwater operations. The vessel can support saturation, air and heliox diving and is equipped with remotely operated underwater systems for inspection and intervention.
Its specialised diving complex is supported by dynamic positioning, life-support systems and medical facilities. These capabilities allow the vessel to undertake sustained and complex underwater operations at sea.
A key role of INS Nipun will be supporting submarine rescue operations. Along with its sister ship INS Nistar, the vessel significantly strengthens the Indian Navy’s specialist capabilities in diving, underwater intervention, salvage and submarine rescue.
The vessel’s crest carries the motto ‘Far Beneath, Few Beyond’, reflecting the skill, endurance and resolve required for operations in the depths of the maritime environment.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Swaminathan highlighted the close coordination between the Indian Navy, HSL and the domestic industrial network behind the vessel’s induction.
He pointed to the successful demonstration of all diving systems during sea trials in a single sortie as evidence of India’s technical confidence and engineering capability.
The CNS also stressed that combat readiness remains the Indian Navy’s highest priority amid an increasingly contested maritime environment and growing threats to global maritime highways.
Based on India’s West Coast under the Western Naval Command, INS Nipun will add to the specialised underwater capabilities needed to support multi-domain operations.
The Navy chief also highlighted the vessel’s specialised capabilities, which are available with only a limited number of navies worldwide.
These capabilities will allow India to respond swiftly to distressed submarines belonging to the Indian Navy as well as partner nations. They also strengthen India’s position as a preferred submarine rescue partner in the region.
Beyond submarine rescue, INS Nipun will provide specialised support for underwater salvage operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions.
Addressing the commissioning crew, the CNS emphasised their responsibility to develop the ship’s operational spirit and make effective use of its sophisticated capabilities.
He urged the crew to uphold the vessel’s motto of ‘Nischay, Nirbhay, Nipun’, representing resolve, fearlessness and professional mastery, while remaining guided by the naval values of duty, honour and courage.
With the hoisting of the Commissioning Pennant, INS Nipun formally entered operational service with the Indian Navy.
The vessel is now ready to support underwater operations and contribute to safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
