INS Nistar, the Indian Navy’s latest Diving Support Vessel, has arrived at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base to participate in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025.
New Delhi, September 20 (ANI) — The Indian Navy’s newest indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, made its inaugural port call at Changi Naval Base in Singapore on September 14, 2025, as confirmed by an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.
Operating under the Command and Control of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, INS Nistar is set to take part in the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR 25), which commenced on September 15, 2025.
Commissioned on July 18, 2025, INS Nistar exemplifies India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense capabilities, achieving over 80% indigenization in its construction. This vessel is equipped with advanced technology, including Side Scan Sonar, Work and Observation Class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and extensive deep-sea diving systems.
INS Nistar will serve as a mothership (MoSHIP) for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). With the induction of two DSRVs in 2018-19, one for each seaboard, India has joined an elite group of nations that possess dedicated submarine rescue systems capable of conducting operations at depths of up to 650 meters.
These submarine rescue systems can be deployed on Vessels of Opportunity (VoO) or can be airlifted to the nearest mobilization port for rapid deployment in distant waters. The Submarine Rescue Unit (East) will operate from INS Nistar during the biennial submarine rescue exercise in the South China Sea. This exercise aims to unite various nations’ submarine rescue platforms and assets, streamline procedures, share best practices, and enhance interoperability.
Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, hosted by Singapore, is expected to see participation from over 40 nations, either as active participants or observers. The exercise will be conducted in two main phases: the harbour phase and the sea phase.
The harbour phase will last for a week and will include comprehensive discussions on submarine rescue systems, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), a medical symposium, and cross-deck visits among the participating nations.
During the sea phase, INS Nistar and the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) will engage in various intervention and rescue operations alongside other participating assets in the South China Sea.
According to ANI, the exercise aims to enhance collaboration and improve the effectiveness of submarine rescue operations among the participating nations.
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