India’s indigenously built Diving Support Vessel, INS Nistar, has successfully arrived in Singapore for Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, a notable multinational submarine rescue exercise. Commissioned on July 18, 2025, INS Nistar exemplifies India’s advancements in maritime capabilities, highlighting the nation’s self-reliance in shipbuilding and its commitment to enhancing the safety of submariners across the globe.
Commanding Officer Commodore Amitsubhro Banerji elaborated on the vessel’s significant roles, which include conducting deep-sea diving operations and functioning as a mothership for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). “INS Nistar is designed to carry out deep-sea diving operations and act as a mothership for the DSRV to execute submarine rescue missions,” he stated, emphasizing the vessel’s versatility.
Constructed at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, INS Nistar is the first of two diving support vessels in its class. The ship spans 120 meters in length and has a displacement of 10,000 tons, extending to 134 meters with the DSRV onboard. It boasts cutting-edge equipment, including Side Scan Sonar, work and observation-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and sophisticated deep-sea diving systems, all reflecting a remarkable 80% indigenisation in alignment with India’s Aatmanirbharta vision.
Captain Vikas Gautam, who oversees the Submarine Rescue Unit East (SRU-E) of the Eastern Naval Command, expressed pride in the Indian Navy’s involvement in XPR25. “This exercise is globally recognised as the most comprehensive collaboration dedicated to submarine rescue. Our participation reflects India’s enduring commitment to safeguarding submariners, including those from other navies across the globe,” he remarked.
Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, hosted by Singapore, has garnered participation from over 40 nations, serving as active participants or observers. The exercise unfolds in two phases:
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Harbour Phase (September 15–21): This phase focuses on detailed discussions about submarine rescue systems, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), medical symposiums, and cross-deck visits among the participating navies.
- Sea Phase (September 21–29): Here, INS Nistar and the SRU-E will conduct multiple intervention and rescue operations in the South China Sea. This phase aims to illustrate operational readiness, coordination, and international collaboration in submarine rescue.
INS Nistar’s inaugural port call at Changi, Singapore, along with its pivotal role in XPR25, signals India’s expanding expertise in submarine safety and advanced naval technology. The exercise serves as an opportunity for the Indian Navy to demonstrate its capabilities and bolster maritime ties with international navies, ultimately contributing to global maritime security efforts.
