Indian Navy Inducts Indigenous Nipun, Boosts Deep-Sea Rescue Capability

The Indian Navy has significantly strengthened its underwater warfare and rescue capabilities with the induction of 'Nipun', the second indigenous Diving Support Vessel (DSV) built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). Delivered at Visakhapatnam on July 30, 2026, the highly specialised vessel marks another milestone in India's indigenous naval shipbuilding programme and reinforces the Government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision with nearly 75% indigenous content. The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules.

Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "adept, capable and well-versed in a particular discipline," Nipun has been purpose-built for deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, underwater salvage and maritime search-and-rescue operations. Its induction completes the Navy's fleet of two indigenous Nistar-class Diving Support Vessels, following the commissioning of INS Nistar in 2025. Together, the two specialised platforms significantly enhance the Navy's ability to support its expanding submarine fleet and maintain operational readiness across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

A key feature of Nipun is its role as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV). During a submarine emergency, the DSRV can be deployed from the vessel to dock with a distressed submarine on the seabed and safely evacuate trapped sailors. The dedicated platform substantially reduces rescue response time, making it a critical asset for submarine safety and one of the Indian Navy's most advanced underwater rescue capabilities.

The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art Deep Sea Saturation Diving Systems, enabling divers to undertake prolonged underwater operations at significant depths. It also features a side diving stage for diving missions and advanced Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that conduct underwater reconnaissance, monitor divers in real time and support complex salvage operations before personnel enter hazardous environments. These capabilities enable underwater repairs, seabed inspections, recovery of strategic assets, sunken aircraft and naval equipment, while also supporting humanitarian assistance and maritime search-and-rescue missions.

Constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited under IRS standards, Nipun showcases India's growing capability to design and build sophisticated naval support vessels domestically. Its induction represents another major step in the Navy's modernisation programme, strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, and enhancing India's strategic maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific through sustained submarine operations and improved deep-sea rescue readiness.