India’s INS Nistar in Multinational Naval Exercise

INS Nistar Participates in Pacific Reach 2025 Exercise

Why in the News ?

The Indian Navy’s indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar is participating in the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 in Singapore, involving 40+ nations. The exercise focuses on submarine rescue operations and maritime cooperation, showcasing India’s commitment to procurement reforms and innovation in naval technology.

India’s INS Nistar in Multinational Naval Exercise

Highlights of India’s Participation in Pacific Reach 2025:

  • INS Nistar, the latest indigenously designed and constructed DSV, represents India in the exercise, demonstrating the country’s progress in mission-oriented procurement for naval assets.
  • The vessel acts as the mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), highlighting India’s innovative approach to naval rescue operations.
  • India’s participation underlines its commitment to maritime security and cooperative submarine rescue missions, fostering international collaboration through global tender enquiries.
  • The exercise strengthens interoperability with navies of over 40 participating nations, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s procurement reforms in enhancing naval capabilities.
  • It reflects India’s broader vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), aligning with the country’s role as an innovation catalyst in maritime affairs.

Exercise Phases and Key Activities

  • The harbour phase includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), cross-deck visits, and a medical symposium, facilitating knowledge sharing on submarine rescue systems and procurement strategies.
  • It facilitates knowledge sharing on submarine rescue systems, potentially influencing future catalytic procurement decisions in naval technology.
  • The sea phase involves rescue and intervention operations in the South China Sea, demonstrating the practical applications of India’s naval procurement reforms.
  • INS Nistar and Submarine Rescue Unit (E) will collaborate with international assets, showcasing the interoperability achieved through strategic procurement policies.
  • The exercise builds trust, preparedness, and rapid-response capacity for submarine emergencies, reflecting the importance of mission-oriented procurement in naval operations.

Key points : INS Nistar
INS Nistar: India’s first indigenously designed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), vital for submarine rescue operations, representing a successful outcome of procurement reforms.
Pacific Reach Exercise: A biennial multinational exercise focusing on submarine rescue interoperability, involving global tender enquiries for participation.
Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV): Specialized equipment to rescue submariners from disabled submarines, acquired through innovative procurement strategies.
Strategic Significance: Strengthens India’s role in maritime diplomacy and ensures safety of submarine operations in the Indo-Pacific, showcasing the nation as an innovation catalyst.
SAGAR Vision (2015): India’s maritime policy aimed at regional security and growth through cooperation, influencing procurement decisions and direct purchase limits in naval acquisitions.