INS Nipun is set to become an important addition to the Indian Navy as the country prepares to commission its second indigenous Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel. The vessel is scheduled to be commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on August 31, 2026. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam, INS Nipun will strengthen India’s ability to carry out deep-sea operations, underwater inspections, and submarine rescue missions.

The arrival of INS Nipun comes at a time when India is increasing its focus on maritime security and strengthening its naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. As underwater operations become more important for modern naval forces, specialised vessels like Nipun can play a major role in emergency response and deep-sea support.

What Is INS Nipun?

INS Nipun is the second and final vessel of the Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel programme. The first ship of the class, INS Nistar, has already entered service. Together, the two vessels are designed to provide specialised support for complex underwater operations.

A Diving Support Vessel is very different from a regular warship. Its main purpose is to support professional divers and underwater equipment during difficult missions below the sea surface. These ships carry specialised diving systems, chambers, launch equipment, and other technology needed for operations at significant depths.

INS Nipun was delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Limited at Visakhapatnam on July 30, 2026, after completing sea trials and final outfitting work. Its commissioning will mark another step in India’s effort to build advanced naval platforms within the country.

Support for Deep-Sea and Submarine Operations

One of the most important roles of INS Nipun will be supporting submarine rescue operations. The vessel is expected to serve as a mother ship for the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, commonly used in underwater emergencies involving submarines.

A submarine emergency can be extremely challenging because rescue teams may need to operate hundreds of metres below the sea surface. A specialised support vessel can transport rescue systems, divers, equipment, and technical teams to the required location.

INS Nipun is equipped with deep-sea saturation diving systems. Saturation diving allows trained divers to work at greater depths for extended periods under carefully controlled conditions. The vessel also carries side diving stages and Remotely Operated Vehicles, which can inspect underwater areas where sending human divers may be difficult or risky.

These systems can support underwater inspections, repair work, search operations, and rescue missions.

A Boost for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

INS Nipun also highlights India’s growing focus on building defence equipment within the country. The vessel was constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, a major shipbuilding company based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

The project for two Nistar-class Diving Support Vessels was approved through a contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and Hindustan Shipyard Limited on September 20, 2018.

Official reports have highlighted a high level of indigenous content in the vessel, with estimates ranging from nearly 75 percent to more than 80 percent. This means a significant part of the ship’s systems, equipment, design, and construction involved Indian industry.

The development is closely linked with India’s larger push for self-reliance in defence production. In recent years, the country has expanded its focus on indigenous warships, submarines, aircraft, drones, missile systems, and advanced naval technology.

Importance for India’s Maritime Security

India has a vast coastline and major strategic interests across the Indian Ocean. The region carries some of the world’s busiest sea routes and is becoming increasingly important for trade, security, and international cooperation.

Modern navies need more than combat ships to operate effectively. Rescue vessels, survey ships, logistics platforms, and specialised underwater support vessels are also essential for maintaining a strong naval presence.

INS Nipun will provide the Indian Navy with greater flexibility during underwater emergencies and specialised deep-sea missions. Its ability to support diving teams, remotely operated systems, and submarine rescue equipment will add an important layer to India’s naval preparedness.

The commissioning ceremony at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard on August 31, 2026, will officially bring INS Nipun into service. As the second vessel of the Nistar-class, it will work alongside INS Nistar and support the Indian Navy’s growing focus on underwater safety, rescue readiness, and indigenous maritime technology.