The Indian Navy is set to commission Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on August 31, 2026. The specialised vessel will strengthen the Navy’s deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue support capabilities.
Indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Nipun marks another addition to India’s growing defence shipbuilding capabilities. The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 30, 2026, after completing an extensive programme of outfitting and trials.
Strengthening Underwater Operations
Nipun has been designed specifically to support a wide range of diving and underwater operations. The vessel is equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities that allow it to provide sustained support to divers working in challenging maritime conditions.
Its induction will expand the Navy’s ability to conduct specialised underwater missions across India’s maritime areas of interest.
The vessel will also contribute to the Navy’s submarine rescue support capabilities, an area requiring specialised platforms and equipment for operations at significant depths.
Advanced Diving Capabilities
The DSV incorporates specialised systems and facilities required for complex underwater missions. These include modern diving equipment, underwater intervention systems and medical support facilities.
The ship is also fitted with navigation and platform management systems designed to support precise station keeping during operations. These capabilities are particularly important when divers and underwater teams are required to work from a stable platform in demanding sea conditions.
Together, these systems allow Nipun to function as an integrated platform for underwater intervention and diving operations.
Built in India
The construction of Nipun by Hindustan Shipyard Limited is significant from the perspective of India’s efforts to expand indigenous defence manufacturing and shipbuilding.
The vessel was designed and built in India, reflecting the growing ability of domestic shipyards to construct specialised platforms for the Indian Navy’s operational requirements.
Its delivery on July 30 followed the completion of outfitting and trials, paving the way for its formal induction into naval service.
Second Nistar-Class Vessel
Nipun is the second Diving Support Vessel of the Nistar-class being inducted into the Indian Navy. The class is intended to provide specialised support for diving and underwater operations.
With the commissioning of Nipun, the Navy will further enhance its specialised capabilities for missions beneath the surface, including diving operations, underwater intervention and support to submarine rescue activities.
Boost to Maritime Capability
The commissioning is expected to strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to undertake specialised underwater missions across India's maritime areas of interest.
The vessel’s induction also highlights the expanding role of India’s indigenous shipbuilding sector in supplying technologically advanced platforms to the armed forces.
As a purpose-built diving support platform, Nipun will add an important capability to the Navy’s fleet and support its requirements for complex underwater operations.
The commissioning ceremony at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on August 31 will formally mark the transition of Nipun from the construction and trials phase to operational service with the Indian Navy.
