The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar class, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, marking a significant enhancement of the Navy’s deep-sea diving and underwater support capabilities.
The ceremony was presided over by Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Other senior naval officers, representatives from Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, veterans, distinguished guests and families of the commissioning crew were in attendance. With the hoisting of the commissioning pennant, Nipun formally entered operational service with the Indian Navy.
Built at home, for one of the sea’s hardest jobs
Indigenously designed and constructed by HSL, Nipun was handed over to the Navy on July 30 before undergoing final trials ahead of commissioning. Officials describe the ship as embodying India’s growing capability to design and build technologically complex specialist naval platforms, and her induction is being framed as another step toward Aatmanirbharta — self-reliance — in defence shipbuilding, reflecting the contribution of Indian shipyards, industry and associated agencies to the Navy’s indigenous capability.
Nipun is purpose-built for deep-sea diving and underwater operations. She can support saturation, air and heliox diving, and carries remotely operated underwater systems for inspection and intervention work. A specialised diving complex, dynamic positioning capability, and associated life-support and medical facilities allow her to sustain complex diving operations at sea over extended periods. She is also equipped to support submarine rescue operations, giving the Navy a faster response option if a submarine suffers an underwater emergency.
Alongside her sister ship INS Nistar, commissioned in 2025 and based on the eastern seaboard, Nipun substantially expands the Navy’s specialist diving, underwater intervention, salvage and submarine rescue support capability — giving the fleet a dedicated diving support presence on both coasts for the first time.
“Far Beneath, Few Beyond”
The ship’s crest and motto, “Far Beneath, Few Beyond,” reflect the resolve, skill and endurance required to operate in one of the most demanding domains of the maritime environment. The name Nipun, derived from Sanskrit, signifies one who is adept and skilled in a particular discipline — a fitting label for a vessel whose crew will spend their service beneath the surface, supporting divers and submariners few others ever encounter.
Navy officials said Nipun is now ready to support those who operate beneath the waves and to contribute to safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
