Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence shipbuilding has moved from aspiration to demonstrated capability. Discuss with recent examples.

Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding is no longer only a policy slogan measured in indigenisation targets; it is now visible in warships that are designed, built and operationally proven at home. The Indian Navy's Nistar-class Diving Support Vessels illustrate this shift most clearly.

From design dependence to indigenous design

• INS Nistar, commissioned at Visakhapatnam on 18 July 2025, is India's first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel [1] — a capability only select navies possess.
• Its sister ship Nipun, launched alongside Nistar at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd on 22 September 2022 [2], has been delivered and is set for commissioning [3], showing repeatable series production, not a one-off prototype.

Depth of the industrial ecosystem

• Nistar achieved over 80% indigenous content with participation of 120 MSMEs [1], demonstrating that indigenisation now reaches the component and vendor tier, not merely final assembly.
• Execution by a Miniratna Defence PSU (HSL) [2] shows revival of yards beyond Mazagon Dock and GRSE, widening the shipbuilding base.

Complex technology, not simple hulls

• The 118.4 m vessels carry saturation diving systems, Remotely Operated Vehicles and hyperbaric lifeboats, supporting diving and salvage to 300 m and submarine rescue with an embarked DSRV [1][2].
• Indigenous capability is broadening downward too, with the first indigenous Diving Support Craft 'DSC A20' [4].

Operational validation — the real test

• INS Nistar deployed to Changi, Singapore for Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, involving over 40 nations [5], and executed a landmark multi-asset submarine rescue drill [6] — indigenous platforms performing to international standards.

Caveats

• Dependence persists in propulsion, sensors and specialised marine equipment, and delivery timelines remain long.

Thus, indigenous shipbuilding has crossed from intent to demonstrated, exportable competence. Sustaining it requires deepening design houses, stable long-term order books for shipyards and MSMEs, and continued use of Defence Acquisition Procedure provisions favouring indigenous design — converting self-reliance into a durable pillar of India's maritime security.