INS Nistar enters Singapore’s Changi Naval Base to participate in Ex Pacific Reach 2025

India’s newest homegrown warship, INS Nistar, docked for the first time at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base on September 14, 2025. This Diving Support Vessel from the Indian Navy joins the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, kicking off on September 15 in the South China Sea.

Under the Eastern Fleet’s command, INS Nistar highlights India’s push for self-reliance in shipbuilding, or Aatmanirbharta. The Navy commissioned it on July 18, 2025, and it boasts over 80% indigenous components. Equipped with advanced tools like side-scan sonar, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for work and observation, and deep-sea diving gear, the ship serves as a mothership for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).

India stepped up its submarine rescue game in 2018-19 by adding two DSRVs—one for each coast—that can save crews from depths up to 650 meters. These systems deploy quickly, either on any available ship or by airlift to nearby ports for fast action in far-off waters. During the exercise, the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) will operate from INS Nistar to test these capabilities.

Hosted by Singapore, Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 draws more than 40 countries as players or watchers. It focuses on syncing up submarine rescue platforms from around the world, sharing top tips, and boosting teamwork. The biennial event splits into two parts: a week of harbor activities and a sea phase.

In the harbor phase, nations swap ideas through deep talks on rescue systems, expert exchanges, a medical conference, and visits between ships. Then comes the action-packed sea phase, where INS Nistar and its team join forces with others for real drills on interventions and rescues in the South China Sea.


Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.