Defence & Security

Indian Navy Highlights Induction of INS Nipun, Second Nistar-Class DSV

01 September 2026UPSCSSCDefence

In Brief

Enhances deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, and underwater support capabilities across the Indian Ocean Region.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan emphasized the operational significance of INS Nipun on September 1, 2026. INS Nipun is the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) built under the indigenously designed Nistar-class project, engineered to bolster deep-sea operations, submarine rescue operations, and maritime search-and-rescue missions across key naval sectors.

Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, the DSV project represents a critical milestone under the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' defence initiatives. These specialized vessels replace older diving support ships and are specifically crafted to execute complex underwater salvage, submarine rescue, and offshore strategic surveillance patrol operations.

INS Nipun measures approximately 118 metres in length with a displacement of nearly 9,350 tonnes. It is equipped with advanced Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) mating capabilities, side-scan sonars, and atmospheric diving suits. The vessel boasts an indigenous content level of over 80 percent, demonstrating domestic naval architecture and manufacturing mastery.

The vessel's induction strengthens India's role as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). For competitive exams, this provides potential Prelims questions on naval vessel classification, HSL shipyard projects, and DSRV technology, alongside Mains GS-3 topics regarding indigenous defence procurement and maritime security frameworks.

UPSC Study NotesHIGHGS3 — Defence & Security, Make in India Initiative

GS3 — Defence & Security, Make in India Initiative

📌 Exam Angle

UPSC Prelims may ask identification questions on Nistar-class DSVs, HSL projects, or DSRV capabilities. Mains GS-3 could frame questions on "India's self-reliance in naval shipbuilding" or "maritime security infrastructure in IOR" requiring analysis of indigenous defence procurement policies and Net Security Provider role.

⚠️ Key Concerns

Indigenous content claims (80%) require scrutiny—UPSC frequently questions whether "Make in India" labels mask imported components. Submarine rescue capabilities raise strategic questions: does India possess adequate DSRV deployment infrastructure across IOR? Aging diving support vessel replacement timelines remain critical gaps in operational readiness.

💡 Why It Matters

INS Nipun demonstrates India's capacity-building as a Net Security Provider, essential for regional stability and maritime domain awareness. The 118m, 9,350-tonne vessel directly supports submarine rescue and underwater salvage—critical for accident response and strategic deterrence in contested waters.

🔑 Must Remember

• Nistar-class DSV: second vessel (INS Nipun) built by HSL with 80%+ indigenous content • DSRV mating, side-scan sonar, atmospheric diving suits enable deep-sea submarine rescue operations • Strengthens India's IOR maritime security posture under Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework

📝 Key Terms

Diving Support Vessel (DSV)Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)Hindustan Shipyard LimitedNistar-classindigenous naval architectureNet Security ProviderIndian Ocean RegionMake in India defence procurement

Indian Navy Highlights Induction of INS Nipun, Second Nistar-Class DSV

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