On July 18, 2025, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar in Visakhapatnam, marking India’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV). The ceremony was presided over by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth alongside senior naval leadership. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Nistar is the lead ship of a two-vessel class (the other being INS Nipun) and is designed for complex deep-sea saturation diving and rescue operations, serving as a mothership for the Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). The platform strengthens India’s role as a “First Responder” and “Preferred Security Partner” in the region. (Press Information Bureau, Naval News, Default)
The MoD emphasized that Nistar’s induction advances self-reliance in maritime technology and adds a niche capability possessed by only a few navies worldwide. Delivery to the Navy took place on July 8, 2025, ahead of commissioning. Media and industry reports highlight the vessel’s specialized diving support systems and integration as a DSRV support platform. (Press Information Bureau, Naval News)
MCQs (Entrance-exam style)
Question 1:
INS Nistar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on which date and at which location?
A) July 8, 2025; Kochi
B) July 18, 2025; Visakhapatnam
C) July 18, 2025; Mumbai
D) July 21, 2025; Chennai
Answer: B) July 18, 2025; Visakhapatnam
Explanation: The MoD’s press release confirms commissioning on July 18, 2025, in Visakhapatnam. (Press Information Bureau)
Question 2:
Which shipyard designed and built INS Nistar?
A) Cochin Shipyard Limited
B) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
C) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
D) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Answer: C) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Explanation: Nistar is the first indigenously designed and constructed DSV built by HSL, Visakhapatnam. (Press Information Bureau)
Question 3:
What is the primary role of INS Nistar?
A) Anti-submarine warfare with torpedoes
B) Aircraft carrier operations
C) Deep-sea saturation diving and rescue operations
D) Mine counter-measures
Answer: C) Deep-sea saturation diving and rescue operations
Explanation: The MoD states Nistar is designed to undertake complex deep-sea saturation diving and rescue ops, a niche capability. (Press Information Bureau)
Question 4:
INS Nistar serves as which of the following for the Indian Navy’s submarine rescue capability?
A) Training tender for divers
B) Mothership for the Navy’s DSRV
C) Shore support barge
D) Spare-parts depot ship
Answer: B) Mothership for the Navy’s DSRV
Explanation: Naval News reports Nistar will serve as the mothership for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) used in submarine rescue. (Naval News)
Question 5:
Which statement about the Nistar class is correct?
A) It consists of three vessels built by CSL.
B) It is a single-ship program.
C) It comprises two DSVs; INS Nistar is the first, followed by INS Nipun.
D) It is imported from a foreign shipyard.
Answer: C) It comprises two DSVs; INS Nistar is the first, followed by INS Nipun.
Explanation: The class has two ships; Nistar is the lead vessel and Nipun is the follow-on. (Default, spsnavalforces.com)
