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INS Nistar – Maiden Port Call at Singapore

16 Sep 2025 GS 3 Defence
INS Nistar – Maiden Port Call at Singapore Click to view full image

Key Facts:

  • Ship: INS Nistar – Indigenously designed & constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Indian Navy.

  • The ship with its Side Scan Sonar, Work & observation class ROVs and expansive deep sea diving systems will be carrying out the role of mothership (MoSHIP) for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).

  • Event: Made its maiden port call at Changi Naval Base, Singapore (Sept 14, 2025).

  • Purpose: Participation in Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR 25).

  • With the induction of two DSRVs in 2018-19, one for each seaboard, capable of rescue operations till depths of 650 meters, India joined the elite league of nations which operate dedicated submarine rescue systems. 

  • These systems can either be deployed on Vessels of Opportunity (VoO) or airlifted to the nearest mobilisation port for rapid deployment to distant seas. 

  • Submarine Rescue Unit (East) will be operating from the mothership for the biennial submarine rescue exercise in South China Sea, which is aimed at bringing together the submarine rescue platforms & assets operated by various nations for streamlining the procedures, inculcating Best Practices and enhancing interoperability.

Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR 25)

  • Type: Multinational, biennial exercise, hosted by Singapore

  • Focus: Submarine rescue operations & interoperability among navies.

  • Phases:The exercise will mainly be conducted in two phases, including the harbour and sea phases.

    1. Harbour Phase: Subject matter expert exchanges, cross-deck visits, planning sessions.

    2. Sea Phase: Live drills on intervention & submarine rescue operations in the South China Sea.

Significance

  • Strategic: Strengthens India’s role in submarine rescue capability – a niche but critical domain in naval diplomacy.

  • Indigenous Capability: INS Nistar represents India’s growing self-reliance in shipbuilding (aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat).

  • Regional Cooperation: Enhances coordination with regional partners (Singapore, ASEAN, Indo-Pacific countries).

  • Operational Readiness: Prepares Indian Navy for real-world contingencies like submarine accidents in deep waters.



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