INS Nipun: India’s Indigenous Diving Support Vessel for UPSC

UPSC Mapping

Exam	Topics
Prelims	INS Nipun, DSV, DSRV, Indian Navy
Mains	GS Paper III – Science & Technology, Defence Indigenisation

Article

INS Nipun was delivered to the Indian Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, marking another milestone in India’s indigenous naval capability. As the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), it strengthens submarine rescue, deep-sea diving and underwater salvage operations while supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Aspirants can also explore the daily current affairs archive for more defence and science updates.

What is INS Nipun?

INS Nipun is the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy. It is the sister ship of INS Nistar and has nearly 75% indigenous content, reflecting India’s progress in defence manufacturing.

The vessel is designed to support complex underwater missions, submarine rescue operations and deep-sea diving, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Why is INS Nipun in News?

The Indian Navy recently received INS Nipun from Hindustan Shipyard Limited at Visakhapatnam. The induction strengthens India’s underwater rescue and salvage capabilities while promoting defence indigenisation under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The vessel significantly enhances the Navy’s preparedness for submarine emergencies and deep-sea operational missions.

Key Features

• Mother ship for DSRV: Serves as the operational platform for a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), enabling rapid rescue during submarine emergencies.
• Deep-sea saturation diving: Advanced diving equipment supports prolonged saturation diving operations up to a depth of 300 metres.
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): Equipped with advanced ROVs for diver monitoring, underwater inspection and deep-sea salvage.
• High indigenous content: Nearly 75% indigenous components strengthen India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
• Sister ship: INS Nipun complements the capabilities of INS Nistar, expanding the Indian Navy’s specialised diving support fleet.

Significance

INS Nipun improves India’s maritime safety, submarine rescue capability and underwater operational readiness.

• Submarine rescue: Enables faster evacuation and rescue of personnel trapped in distressed submarines.
• Operational readiness: Supports deep-sea repair, recovery and underwater engineering missions.
• Defence indigenisation: Demonstrates India’s growing shipbuilding capability under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Maritime security: Strengthens the Indian Navy’s ability to conduct specialised underwater operations in the Indian Ocean Region.

Way Forward

Continued investment in indigenous naval platforms, advanced underwater technologies and specialised rescue systems will enhance India’s maritime security architecture. Expanding domestic shipbuilding capacity and technological innovation will further strengthen operational preparedness.

Modern diving support vessels such as INS Nipun also improve India’s capability to respond rapidly to underwater emergencies while supporting long-term defence self-reliance. Official information is available through the Indian Navy and Hindustan Shipyard Limited.

Prelims Practice Corner

Q1. INS Nipun is a?

• (a) Aircraft Carrier
• (b) Diving Support Vessel
• (c) Destroyer
• (d) Survey Ship

Answer: (b) Diving Support Vessel (DSV).

Q2. INS Nipun was built by?

• (a) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
• (b) Cochin Shipyard
• (c) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
• (d) Garden Reach Shipbuilders

Answer: (c) Hindustan Shipyard Limited.

Q3. DSRV stands for?

• (a) Deep Sea Rescue Vessel
• (b) Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle
• (c) Defence Surveillance Rescue Vehicle
• (d) Deep Salvage Research Vessel

Answer: (b) Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle.

Q4. INS Nipun supports saturation diving up to?

• (a) 100 m
• (b) 200 m
• (c) 300 m
• (d) 500 m

Answer: (c) 300 m.

Q5. INS Nipun is the sister ship of?

• (a) INS Vikrant
• (b) INS Arihant
• (c) INS Nistar
• (d) INS Karanj

Answer: (c) INS Nistar.

Mains Practice Questions

Q1.

Discuss the significance of Diving Support Vessels in strengthening India’s maritime security and submarine rescue capabilities. (10 marks)

Answer Structure

• Intro: Explain the role of DSVs.
• Body: Submarine rescue, deep-sea diving, indigenous shipbuilding and maritime preparedness.
• Conclusion: Link with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and naval modernisation.

Q2.

Examine the importance of defence indigenisation in enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. (15 marks)

Answer Structure

• Intro: Explain defence self-reliance.
• Body: Indigenous shipbuilding, technology development, operational readiness and strategic autonomy.
• Conclusion: Highlight long-term maritime security benefits.

FAQs on INS Nipun

What is INS Nipun?

INS Nipun is the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy to support submarine rescue and deep-sea operations.

What is the role of a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)?

A DSRV is used to rescue personnel trapped inside distressed submarines by docking with the submarine underwater and evacuating survivors safely.

Why is INS Nipun significant?

Its high indigenous content, advanced diving systems and submarine rescue capability strengthen India’s maritime security and support the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.