Indian Navy Commissions Diving Support Vessel INS Nipun at Mumbai Naval Dockyard
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, its second indigenously built Nistar-class diving support vessel, on Monday at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The induction is aimed at strengthening the Western Naval Command's capabilities in deep-sea diving, salvage, and underwater rescue operations across the Indian Ocean Region.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. Built and designed by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, the 119-metre-long platform has been specifically constructed for underwater intervention, salvage missions, and complex submarine rescues alongside its sister ship, INS Nistar.
INS Nipun is equipped with a specialised diving complex capable of supporting air, heliox, and saturation diving up to depths of 300 metres. The vessel is fitted with dynamic positioning systems and remotely operated vehicles for deep-water inspection and intervention. It is also designed to embark and deploy the Indian Navy's Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel, providing a rapid response submarine rescue capability.
Speaking at the event, Admiral Swaminathan pointed to growing maritime challenges and strategic shifts, noting the ongoing geopolitical instability in West Asia. He stated that combat readiness remains the Navy's highest priority in an increasingly contested maritime environment.
Admiral Swaminathan added that the addition of this platform enables the Western Naval Command to safeguard strategic sea lines of communication and operate above, on, and beneath the waves, positioning India as a preferred submarine rescue partner for friendly navies in the region.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, highlighted that the vessel features more than 75 percent indigenous content, reflecting growing self-reliance in domestic defence manufacturing.
INS Nipun is the second of two diving support vessels ordered by the Indian Navy. The force is also preparing to commission three additional vessels in the coming months, including a shallow water craft, a warship, and a multi-purpose vessel.
