INS Nistar makes maiden port call at Singapore for Exercise Pacific Reach 2025

Indian Navy’s INS Nistar Makes Historic Debut in Singapore for Multinational Submarine Rescue Exercise

The Indian Navy’s pride, the indigenously built Diving Support Vessel INS Nistar, along with the Submarine Rescue Unit (East), docked at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base for the first time on September 14. They’re there to join the big biennial event, Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, which kicks off today and runs until September 29.

This marks an exciting milestone for INS Nistar, India’s first homegrown Diving Support Vessel. The Navy shared the news on X, highlighting how Nistar will act as the mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV). Over the next week, the crew will team up with navies from other countries for hands-on submarine rescue drills and expert exchanges. It’s all about boosting skills in underwater emergencies.

Personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy and officials from the High Commission of India in Singapore rolled out the red carpet for the visitors. The High Commission posted on X, cheering on INS Nistar: "As Pacific Reach 2025 starts in Singapore, we wish this groundbreaking Indian Navy vessel the best for some enriching professional swaps."

INS Nistar’s trip comes just two months after its big commissioning on July 18 at Visakhapatnam’s Naval Dockyard. Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth lit up the event, calling it a shining example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat—India’s push for self-reliance. He praised Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, saying, "Your energy and leadership make 1.4 billion Indians proud."

Admiral Tripathi called the launch a "historic achievement" for the nation. He noted how the new INS Nistar honors the legacy of its predecessor, which played a crucial role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War by spotting the Pakistani submarine Ghazi right from Visakhapatnam base. "This ship returns with fresh purpose and will build on that proud history," he added.

Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited and handed over on July 8, INS Nistar boasts nearly 75% indigenous parts, aligning perfectly with the Make in India drive. The 118-meter vessel, weighing around 10,000 tons, packs cutting-edge tech for deep-sea ops. Its name, from Sanskrit, means "rescue" or "liberation"—fitting for a ship designed for tough underwater missions.

What makes INS Nistar special? It handles saturation diving up to 300 meters and has a side stage for ops down to 75 meters. As the mothership for DSRV, it can save submarine crews in distress. Plus, it uses remotely operated vehicles for monitoring divers and salvage work up to 1,000 meters deep. Only a handful of navies worldwide have this level of submarine rescue capability.

This Singapore visit underscores the Indian Navy’s growing strength in global partnerships and self-made tech. As Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 unfolds, INS Nistar is set to shine in multinational submarine rescue efforts, proving India’s rising naval prowess.

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