Indian Navy Commissions INS Nipun, Second Nistar-Class Diving Support Vessel

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun into operational service at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 31 August 2026. INS Nipun is the second Diving Support Vessel of the Nistar class , following its sister ship INS Nistar. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff . Indigenous Design and Construction INS Nipun was designed and constructed indigenously by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam . Its induction demonstrates India's growing ability to design and manufacture technologically complex specialist naval vessels and supports the country's Aatmanirbhar Bharat objective in defence shipbuilding.  Deep-Sea Diving Capabilities INS Nipun is purpose-built for demanding underwater missions. The vessel can support: Saturation diving Air diving Heliox diving Deep-sea underwater operations Underwater inspection and intervention Salvage operations Submarine rescue missions It is also equipped with remotely operated underwater systems for inspection and intervention. Advanced Onboard Systems The vessel incorporates a specialised diving complex along with dynamic positioning capability , enabling it to maintain its position accurately while conducting complex underwater operations. It also carries dedicated life-support and medical facilities , which are important for sustained diving missions at sea.  Submarine Rescue Role One of INS Nipun's most important functions is supporting submarine rescue operations . Together, INS Nipun and INS Nistar substantially enhance the Navy's capacity to respond to underwater emergencies involving Indian as well as partner-nation submarines. The Navy stated that this niche capability, possessed by only a limited number of navies globally, strengthens India's position as a preferred submarine-rescue partner in the region .  Western Naval Command INS Nipun will be based on India's western coast under the Western Naval Command . Apart from military operations, its specialist underwater capabilities can also support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and underwater salvage missions. Motto The ship's operational motto is: “Far Beneath, Few Beyond” The commissioning crew is also guided by the spirit of “Nischay, Nirbhay, Nipun” — Resolve, Fearlessness and Professional Mastery.