The Indian Navy on Monday commissioned INS Nipun, its second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, strengthening the force’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan presided over the commissioning ceremony.
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).
The vessel is a specialised platform designed to undertake deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and rescue operations. Its induction marks a significant addition to the Navy’s capabilities in the niche domain of underwater operations.
Named after the Sanskrit word ‘Nipun’, meaning one who is adept, capable and well-versed in a particular discipline, the vessel is equipped with modern diving systems and is capable of deep-sea saturation diving. A side diving stage has also been fitted to facilitate diving operations.
INS Nipun is equipped with Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that enable diver monitoring and salvage operations. It can also serve as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), supporting the evacuation of personnel from submarines during emergencies.
The vessel incorporates modern navigation, platform management and precise station-keeping systems, along with specialised facilities for diving, underwater intervention and medical support. These systems enable it to provide sustained support to divers operating in demanding conditions at sea.
With nearly 75 per cent indigenous content, the commissioning of INS Nipun marks another step towards strengthening India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and advancing the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The induction of the vessel is expected to enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to undertake specialised diving and underwater missions across India’s maritime areas of interest.
(ANI)
