Pacific Reach 2025 Exercise
The Indian Navy’s newest indigenously-built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, is actively participating in the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 held in Singapore. This biennial exercise sees over 40 countries collaborating on submarine rescue operations and maritime safety. India’s involvement marks its growing role in international naval cooperation and underwater emergency preparedness.
INS Nistar
INS Nistar was commissioned on 18 July 2025. It is a Diving Support Vessel with more than 80% indigenous components, reflecting India’s push for self-reliance in defence. The vessel operates under the Eastern Naval Command. It is equipped with Side Scan Sonar for seabed mapping, Observation-class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and advanced deep-sea diving systems. INS Nistar’s primary role is to serve as the mothership for India’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs).
Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs)
India inducted two DSRVs between 2018 and 2019, one for each coast. These vehicles can conduct rescue missions up to 650 metres underwater. They are designed for rapid deployment, capable of being airlifted or mounted on Vessels of Opportunity (VoO). During Pacific Reach 2025, INS Nistar hosts the Submarine Rescue Unit (East), enhancing India’s underwater rescue response capabilities.
Exercise Pacific Reach 2025
Pacific Reach is a biennial multinational submarine rescue exercise hosted by Singapore. The 2025 edition features participation from over 40 nations, including active contributors and observers. The exercise is split into two phases – the harbour phase and the sea phase.
Harbour Phase Activities
Held at Changi Naval Base, the harbour phase lasts about a week. It involves detailed discussions on submarine rescue systems. Participants engage in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), medical symposiums, and cross-deck visits. These activities promote knowledge sharing and procedural alignment among navies.
Sea Phase Operations
The sea phase takes place in the South China Sea. It includes live rescue operations and submarine intervention drills. Participating nations test interoperability and coordination in underwater emergency scenarios. INS Nistar and the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) conduct multiple intervention and rescue tasks alongside other international naval assets.
Significance of India’s Participation
India’s role as the mothership for DSRVs in Pacific Reach 2025 puts stress on its commitment to maritime safety and international partnership. The exercise helps India adopt global best practices and strengthen ties with other navies. It also enhances India’s rapid-response capabilities for underwater emergencies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Implications
INS Nistar’s high indigenous content supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing. The vessel’s advanced technology improves India’s underwater rescue and intervention proficiency. Strategically, India’s active presence in multinational exercises boosts its influence in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain.
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