Why in the News?

• India has commissioned two state-of-the-art Diving Support Vessels (DSVs), INS Nistar and INS Nipun, developed indigenously by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), marking a significant milestone in India's self-reliance journey in maritime defence.
• These DSVs will serve as vital assets for the Indian Navy’s underwater rescue and salvage operations, enabling deep-sea interventions, including submarine rescue missions and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• INS Nistar and INS Nipun (Features, Capabilities, Significance, Future Outlook)

Key Features and Capabilities of INS Nistar and INS Nipun

• Indigenous Design and Construction
  • INS Nistar and INS Nipun are the first of their kind to be designed and constructed indigenously in India, demonstrating technological maturity in naval engineering.
  • Developed by HSL, Visakhapatnam, under the Ministry of Defence’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, these ships represent India's growing capability in shipbuilding and maritime technology.
• Diving and Rescue Capabilities

• Integrated Saturation Diving System (ISDS): Enables diver deployment at depths up to 300 meters, supporting underwater repairs, salvage, and rescue operations.
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): These can be deployed for underwater surveillance and recovery missions in deep waters.
• Side Scan Sonar and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS): Aid in locating submerged vessels or wreckage and managing onboard systems, respectively.
• Submarine Rescue System: Especially crucial for submarine emergencies, allowing the timely and safe recovery of personnel from disabled submarines.

• Humanitarian and Strategic Utility

• Disaster relief operations during maritime calamities.
• Search and Rescue (SAR) operations during shipwrecks or aircraft crashes at sea.
• Offshore resource exploration support and underwater inspections of strategic infrastructure.

Significance of INS Nistar and INS Nipun for the Indian Navy

• Enhancing Submarine Rescue Capabilities
  • With the increase in submarine deployments, having dedicated rescue vessels is critical.
  • Previously, India relied on international collaboration for submarine rescue.
  • These DSVs allow independent and rapid deployment of rescue missions, reducing response time in emergencies.
• Strategic Deployment for Coastal and Deep-Sea Operations
  • The ships can be deployed in both shallow and deep-sea theatres, allowing flexibility and extended reach of operations.
  • Their presence strengthens India's deterrence and operational preparedness in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
  • The construction of INS Nistar and INS Nipun underlines India’s shift toward indigenous capability in defence infrastructure.
  • It also bolsters local shipbuilding industries and reduces dependence on foreign technology for specialised maritime vessels.

Commissioning Ceremony and Namesake Legacy

• INS Nistar: A Revival of Legacy
  • INS Nistar is named after a 1971-era ship that played a critical role in rescuing crew members from a submarine accident.
  • The new vessel carries forward that legacy with modern capabilities and advanced systems.
• INS Nipun: Symbol of Precision and Readiness
  • INS Nipun, derived from the Hindi word for “expert,” emphasises the vessel’s precision, technological edge, and mission-readiness in deep-sea operations.
  • The commissioning of these ships in Visakhapatnam underscores the strategic importance attached to undersea warfare readiness and maritime safety.

Future Outlook: Role in Regional Maritime Security

• The Indian Ocean is becoming a focal point of strategic competition and increasing submarine activity. With INS Nistar and INS Nipun operational, the Indian Navy enhances its ability to:

• Monitor underwater threats and respond to contingencies.
• Provide maritime assistance to friendly nations in the region.
• Conduct advanced deep-sea salvage and underwater inspections, including critical infrastructure security.

• As India seeks a larger role in ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, these vessels are timely additions to its blue water navy aspirations.