India’s indigenous INS Nistar to roar under China…, takes part in first overseas mission, joins mega naval drill with to…
INS Nistar is designed to carry out deep-sea submarine rescue missions using its Deep Rescue Vehicle. If required, the system can also be deployed on other ships, known as “Vessels of Opportunity.”
The India(BHARAT)n Navy’s newest Diving Support Vessel, INS Nistar, has reached Singapore’s Changi Naval Base to take part in its first overseas mission. The indigenously designed and built ship will now join the multinational military exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR-25) in the South China Sea. The exercise, hosted by Singapore, started on Monday, September 15. More than 40 countries are participating, either directly or as observers. The drills will take place in two stages, a “harbour phase” at the naval base and a “sea phase” in open waters.
India(BHARAT) acquired two Deep-Submergence Rescue Vessels (DSRVs) in 2018–19, one each for the eastern and western coasts. With this, India(BHARAT) joined the small group of countries that have a dedicated submarine rescue system, capable of carrying out operations up to 650 metres deep.
Submarine rescue preparations to be tested
The harbour phase of the exercise will last for a week and will focus on submarine rescue systems. It will include expert exchanges, a medical symposium, and cross-deck visits between participating countries. In the sea phase, INS Nistar will join other navies in practicing different intervention and rescue operations.
The aim of this multinational drill is to bring together submarine rescue platforms from various countries, simplify procedures, share best practices, and improve cooperation and interoperability among navies.
INS Nistar Commissioned in July 2025
INS Nistar operates under the command of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. The vessel was formally commissioned into the Navy on 18 July 2025. It represents India(BHARAT)’s progress in self-reliance and shipbuilding, with over 80 per cent indigenous equipment and technology used in its construction.
The ship is fitted with advanced systems such as side-scan sonar, work and observation class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and a modern deep-sea diving system.
Why INS Nistar is important
INS Nistar is designed to carry out deep-sea submarine rescue missions using its Deep Rescue Vehicle. If required, the system can also be deployed on other ships, known as “Vessels of Opportunity.” In addition, it can be transported by air to any coastal area, making it possible to quickly send it to distant seas.
During the sea phase of the exercise, INS Nistar along with the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) will train with naval forces of participating countries in the South China Sea, practicing multiple intervention and rescue operations.
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