The Indian Navy has commissioned its second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), ‘Nipun’, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, marking a major step in 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 on Monday.

Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), ‘Nipun’ is a specialised vessel designed to support a wide range of diving and underwater missions. The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on July 30, 2026, at Visakhapatnam. It has been designed and constructed according to the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

The commissioning of ‘Nipun’ boosts the Indian Navy’s capabilities in the specialised field of deep-sea diving and underwater operations. The vessel is equipped with modern systems to support divers working in challenging situations at sea. It can also undertake complex underwater intervention and rescue missions.

The name ‘Nipun’ comes from Sanskrit and means “one who is adept, capable, and well-versed in a particular discipline”. The vessel reflects this meaning through its specialised capabilities. It has been built to carry out deep-sea diving and rescue operations and provide sustained support during demanding underwater missions.

‘Nipun’ is fitted with state-of-the-art diving equipment and can conduct deep-sea saturation diving. Saturation diving allows divers to work at greater depths for longer periods during specialised underwater operations. The vessel also has a side diving stage that supports the deployment and recovery of divers during missions.

The ship’s capabilities are further strengthened by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). These systems can support diver monitoring and salvage operations. They allow personnel to assess and conduct underwater operations while enhancing the Navy’s ability to carry out difficult and complex missions at sea.

The vessel also has an important role in submarine rescue operations. ‘Nipun’ can operate as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV). This capability allows it to support the evacuation of personnel from submarines during emergencies. The vessel will therefore add greater strength to the Navy’s existing submarine rescue capabilities.

The DSV has been designed as an integrated platform for diving, underwater intervention and medical support. It carries specialised facilities that allow it to support divers and personnel involved in underwater missions. Modern navigation and platform management systems have also been incorporated into the vessel.

The ship is equipped with precise station-keeping capabilities, which help it maintain its position during operations. This is particularly important during diving and underwater intervention missions, where accuracy and stability are essential. These systems allow ‘Nipun’ to provide steady and sustained support to personnel working below the surface.

The vessel has nearly 75 per cent indigenous content, highlighting the growing role of domestic shipbuilding in meeting the Indian Navy’s specialised operational requirements. Its induction is also in line with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the push to develop advanced defence platforms indigenously.

The construction and delivery of ‘Nipun’ also reflect the expanding capabilities of India’s shipbuilding industry. The ability to build technologically advanced and specialised vessels domestically strengthens the country’s defence manufacturing base. It also supports the Navy’s efforts to reduce dependence on foreign platforms for critical maritime operations.

As the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its capabilities across India’s maritime areas of interest, ‘Nipun’ will provide dedicated support for specialised diving and underwater missions. Its combination of advanced diving systems, ROVs, underwater intervention facilities and submarine rescue support makes it an important addition to the Navy’s fleet.

The commissioning of the indigenously built vessel marks another milestone in the Indian Navy’s efforts to improve its underwater operational capabilities. It also underlines India’s growing ability to design and build specialised naval platforms for demanding missions at sea.