• The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nistar, India’s latest indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), has joined the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR 25) in Singapore.
• The vessel made its maiden port call at Changi Naval Base on 14 September 2025 before participating in the exercise, which commenced on 15 September with the participation of over 40 nations.
• INS Nistar was commissioned on 18 July 2025 and represents a major milestone in India’s naval shipbuilding, with nearly 80% indigenisation under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The ship is equipped with advanced technologies such as Side Scan Sonar, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and integrated deep-sea diving systems. It also serves as the mothership for India’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV).
• India had inducted two DSRVs between 2018 and 2019, capable of conducting submarine rescue operations up to depths of 650 meters. With these assets, India has significantly enhanced its submarine rescue and deep-sea operational capabilities, ensuring better safety and cooperation in underwater missions.
• Participation in Pacific Reach 2025 highlights India’s growing role in regional maritime security and strengthens naval collaboration with partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.