Navy Chief Krishna Swaminathan: INS Nipun will enhance our critical underwater capabilities

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Chief of Naval Staff, proclaimed on Monday that the INS Nipun will considerably strengthen the Navy's specialized underwater capabilities essential for diverse operations. At the vessel's commissioning in Mumbai, he highlighted that the Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel brings a unique set of tools for intricate underwater missions and emergency response in one of the world's most daunting aquatic terrains.

Present at the ceremony were Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, senior naval officers, and representatives from Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. in Visakhapatnam.

Swaminathan underscored the challenging strategic environment in which India operates, characterized by growing maritime tensions and shifting threat profiles. He stressed the necessity of readiness for unforeseen dangers and the importance of bolstering the Navy's underwater assets. This new vessel will allow the Western Naval Command to bolster its capabilities across all domains, operating above, on, and below the surface of the ocean.

The INS Nipun is one of only a select few navies that can operate the Indian Navy's Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel, providing a critical edge in responding to distressed submarines, both domestic and allied. The ship's advanced diving technologies, including saturation, air, and heliox diving, coupled with remotely operated underwater systems, enable it to conduct extensive operations at sea, supporting partner nations in salvage and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.

Swaminathan affirmed that the Western Naval Command would integrate INS Nipun into operational plans, rigorously test her capabilities, and ensure she is mission-ready for any maritime task.