The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun in Mumbai, strengthening its capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations.
INS Nipun Commissioned at Mumbai Naval Dockyard
The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Nipun, its second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, strengthening its capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), INS Nipun was delivered to the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam on July 30, 2026. The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
Advanced Platform for Underwater Operations
INS Nipun is a specialised platform designed to support a range of underwater missions, including deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and rescue operations.
The vessel is equipped with modern diving systems and is capable of conducting deep-sea saturation diving, allowing personnel to undertake extended underwater operations in demanding maritime conditions.
A side diving stage has also been fitted to facilitate diving activities and provide additional operational flexibility.
The vessel’s induction strengthens the Navy’s capabilities in the specialised domain of underwater operations, an area that requires advanced equipment and sustained operational support.
ROVs and Submarine Rescue Capability
INS Nipun is equipped with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can support diver monitoring and salvage operations.
The vessel can also function as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV). This capability allows it to support the evacuation of personnel from submarines during emergency situations.
Its specialised facilities are designed to provide sustained support for divers and underwater teams operating at sea.
Modern Navigation and Medical Systems
The vessel incorporates modern navigation, platform management and precise station-keeping systems, enabling it to maintain its position accurately during specialised underwater operations.
INS Nipun also includes dedicated facilities for diving, underwater intervention and medical support. These capabilities allow the vessel to provide comprehensive assistance to personnel working in challenging maritime environments.
The combination of diving equipment, underwater vehicles, rescue support and medical facilities makes the vessel an important platform for specialised naval missions.
Boost to Indigenous Shipbuilding
With nearly 75 per cent indigenous content, the commissioning of INS Nipun represents another step towards strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
The vessel supports the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by demonstrating the growing ability of Indian shipyards to design and construct specialised naval platforms domestically.
The induction also contributes to the development of indigenous expertise in specialised maritime technologies and underwater operations.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Capabilities
The commissioning of INS Nipun is expected to enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to conduct specialised diving, salvage, underwater intervention and submarine rescue missions across India’s maritime areas of interest.
As underwater operations become increasingly important to maritime security and naval preparedness, specialised platforms such as INS Nipun provide the Navy with additional operational flexibility and support.
Key Takeaways
- INS Nipun is the Indian Navy’s second Diving Support Vessel.
- The vessel was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
- It is capable of deep-sea saturation diving and underwater intervention.
- INS Nipun is equipped with ROVs for diver monitoring and salvage operations.
- It can serve as a mother ship for Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels.
- The vessel has nearly 75 per cent indigenous content.
- It strengthens India’s underwater rescue and maritime capabilities.
