Watch: Indian Navy Commissions Indigenously Built Diving Support Vessel ‘INS Nipun’

The Indian Navy commissioned its second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nipun, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Aug 31, 2026.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan led the commissioning ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Swaminathan said the vessel will improve the Navy’s ability to carry out deep-water and underwater operations.

He added that Nipun would help the Western Naval Command carry out complex underwater missions, including diving support and submarine rescue.

The vessel was designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, India. The ship is 119.4 metres long and has a capacity of 10,500 tonnes.

#Nipun is set to be commissioned into the #IndianNavy today, with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, presiding over the ceremony.

The commissioning marks another significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.#INSNipun… https://t.co/4jUq0RniSc pic.twitter.com/g7fOqOFByq

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 31, 2026

Nipun can support diving operations at depths of up to 300 metres. It can also carry out deep-sea saturation diving and has a side diving stage for divers.

The ship has diving and underwater equipment to support divers working in difficult conditions at sea. It also carries remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that can monitor divers and help with salvage work.

Nipun can serve as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), helping rescue people from submarines during emergencies.

The Ministry of Defence said the Navy received the vessel on July 30, 2026, after it completed its outfitting and trials.

The ship was built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Nearly 75% of the ship was built with indigenous content, according to the Navy and the Ministry of Defence.

INS Nipun’s Capabilities

Nipun has navigation and control systems that help it stay in position during underwater operations.

The ship has dedicated facilities for diving, underwater work and medical support. It can also be used for disaster relief and humanitarian operations.

The project is part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, initiative.

The name Nipun comes from Sanskrit and means skilled, capable and knowledgeable.

References: newsonair, ANI