The Indian Navy is preparing to commission Nipun, the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV), on 31 August 2026 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This marks a significant leap in India’s underwater operations capability and highlights the country’s growing strength in indigenous defence shipbuilding.
A Milestone in Self-Reliance
Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Nipun was delivered to the Navy on 30 July 2026 after extensive outfitting and sea trials. The vessel is a purpose-designed platform equipped with advanced diving systems, underwater intervention tools, and precise station-keeping technology. Its commissioning underscores India’s pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing.
Capabilities of Nipun
- Diving operations: Supports a wide spectrum of deep-sea missions in challenging conditions.
- Submarine rescue: Enhances the Navy’s ability to conduct emergency rescue operations.
- Medical support: Onboard facilities ensure divers can operate safely during prolonged missions.
- Navigation systems: Modern platform management and station-keeping systems enable precision in complex underwater tasks.
Together, these features make Nipun an integrated platform for specialised underwater missions across India’s maritime zones of interest.
Strategic Importance
The induction of Nipun strengthens India’s maritime posture by:
- Expanding underwater intervention capabilities.
- Supporting submarine fleet operations.
- Showcasing the shipbuilding ecosystem that can deliver advanced, specialised vessels.
This commissioning is not just about a new ship—it’s about India’s growing confidence in designing, building, and deploying complex naval platforms that meet global standards.
