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October 1, 2025 9:06 PM IST

Indian Navy | INS Nistar | XPR 25 | Singapore Navy | RSN | Submarine Rescue Capability | Exercise Pacific Reach

Indian Navy showcases global submarine rescue capability at Exercise Pacific Reach 2025

The Indian Navy demonstrated its growing prowess in submarine rescue operations during Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR-25), hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) from September 15–25, 2025. The Navy’s Submarine Rescue Unit (East), embarked on INS Nistar, successfully executed multiple international rescue operations, marking a significant milestone in India’s submarine rescue journey.

Over three successive days, India’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) Tiger X achieved three successful matings with foreign submarines — including the Republic of Korea Navy’s Shin Dol-Seok (S-082) and RSN’s RSS Invincible. This included the Indian DSRV’s first-ever dive outside the Indian Ocean Region, establishing India among the front-runners in global submarine rescue capability.

The exercise featured participation from over 40 nations and was conducted in two phases: a shore phase in Singapore, which included professional exchanges and an international medical symposium, and a sea phase in the South China Sea, where live rescue drills were carried out.

The highlight came on September 25, when a multinational three-asset rescue drill (R3) was executed for the first time in Pacific Reach history. INS Nistar played a central role, localising and surveying the distressed submarine before India’s remotely operated vehicle and DSRV were deployed, achieving successful mating within an hour.

The Indian Navy’s performance at XPR-25 underscored its professionalism, technological capabilities, and commitment to international submarine safety. The participation not only reinforced India’s readiness for complex rescue missions but also strengthened interoperability with global navies.

 

Last updated on: 2nd Oct 2025