INS Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel of the Indian Navy, was formally commissioned at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard on 31 August 2026.

The ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, marking another important milestone in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities in the specialised domain of deep-sea diving and underwater operations.

The vessel was built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited and delivered to the Navy on 30 July 2026 at Visakhapatnam. It has been designed and constructed in accordance with the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping, ensuring compliance with international standards and operational safety.

The name Nipun is derived from Sanskrit and signifies one who is adept, capable, and well-versed in a particular discipline. True to its name, the vessel is a highly specialised platform capable of undertaking deep-sea diving and rescue operations at sea.

It is equipped with advanced diving equipment and has the capability to conduct deep-sea saturation diving, enabling divers to operate at significant depths for extended durations. A side diving stage has also been incorporated to facilitate complex underwater operations.

Remotely Operated Vehicles further enhance the ship’s operational capabilities by enabling diver monitoring, underwater inspection, and salvage operations. In addition, Nipun can serve as the mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel, which is critical for evacuating personnel from submarines during emergencies. This role significantly strengthens India’s submarine rescue infrastructure.

With nearly 75 per cent indigenous content, the vessel’s delivery represents another milestone in the Navy’s efforts towards indigenous shipbuilding.

It aligns with the Government’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and highlights the growing capabilities of India’s shipbuilding ecosystem to deliver technologically advanced and specialised vessels.

INS Nipun is a purpose-built platform designed to support a wide spectrum of diving and underwater operations.

Equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities, the vessel can provide sustained support to divers operating in demanding conditions at sea. It also augments the Navy’s submarine rescue capabilities, ensuring preparedness for underwater contingencies.

The ship incorporates modern systems for navigation, platform management, and precise station keeping. It is also fitted with specialised facilities for diving, underwater intervention, and medical support.

These features enable Nipun to function as an integrated platform for complex underwater operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in missions.

The commissioning of Nipun will further strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to undertake specialised diving and underwater missions across India’s maritime areas of interest. The induction of this indigenously built platform reflects the growing maturity of India’s defence shipbuilding program and reinforces the Navy’s operational readiness in underwater domains.

ANI