Navy

New Delhi: The 7th High-Level Meeting (HLM) between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) was held in Chennai on August 25, 2026 under the framework of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on Coast Guard Cooperation.

The meeting was co-chaired by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, and Major General Luong Dinh Hung, Vice Commandant, Vietnam Coast Guard.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Pollution Response and capacity building. Both sides reviewed ongoing bilateral engagements, including professional exchanges and ship visits, and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and interoperability.

The two Coast Guards emphasised the importance of regular institutional interactions, training programmes, professional exchanges, sharing of best practices and ship visits to further strengthen mutual trust, coordination and operational cooperation.

The HLM reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Vietnam to work together in the spirit of friendship and cooperation towards promoting maritime safety, security and environmental sustainability in the region.

As part of the ongoing bilateral engagement, the India-Vietnam Coast Guard Joint Exercise, SAHYOG-HOPTAC, is scheduled to be conducted at sea on 27 August 2026. The exercise will provide an opportunity for both Coast Guards to enhance operational coordination, strengthen interoperability and exchange best practices.

New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to commission Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class, on 31 Aug 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The induction of the specialised vessel will mark an important addition to the Navy’s deep-sea diving and underwater support capabilities and herald the beginning of a new chapter in the ship’s journey from construction to operational service.

Indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Nipun represents a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence shipbuilding. The vessel was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 Jul 2026, following completion of an extensive programme of outfitting and trials.

Nipun is a purpose-built platform designed to support a wide spectrum of diving and underwater operations. The ship is equipped with modern diving systems and underwater intervention capabilities, enabling sustained support to divers operating in demanding conditions at sea. It will also augment the Indian Navy’s capability to support submarine rescue operations.

The ship incorporates modern systems for navigation, platform management and precise station keeping, complemented by specialised facilities for diving, underwater intervention and medical support. These capabilities enable Nipun to function as an integrated platform for complex operations beneath the surface.

The forthcoming commissioning of Nipun will further strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to undertake specialised diving and underwater missions across India’s maritime areas of interest. The induction of this indigenously built platform also reflects the growing capability of the country’s shipbuilding ecosystem to deliver technologically advanced and specialised vessels in support of the Navy’s operational requirements.

New Delhi: Coinciding with the Swarnim Jayanti of the Bharatiya Tatrakshak, India will host the fifth Coast Guard Global Summit (CGGS) in New Delhi in February 2027. As part of the preparatory engagements, the Bharatiya Tatrakshak hosted the Working Level Meeting (WLM) of the 5th CGGS in hybrid mode today.

The deliberations focused on key institutional and organisational aspects of the forthcoming Summit, including the refinement of the CGGS Meeting Guidelines, strengthening of the Information Sharing Mechanism, and further development and management of the CGGS website. Discussions also explored avenues for enhancing collective capability building through greater exchange of professional expertise, operational experiences and best practices.

The Working Level Meeting provided an important platform to advance institutional preparations for the 5th CGGS and facilitate dialogue and coordination among participating maritime agencies. The meeting also reviewed the proposed Activity Calendar for future collaborative engagements, aimed at promoting sustained cooperation and strengthening maritime partnerships among participating agencies.

The 5th CGGS will be a significant manifestation of Bharat’s MAHASAGAR vision and its commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive and forward-looking maritime order. Through its sustained engagement and collective endeavour, Indian Coast Guard remains committed to contributing to international efforts for the safety, security and well-being of the global maritime commons.

Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, concluded her port call at Ponta Delgada, Azores, on 16 Aug 2026, as part of Lokayan 2026.

The port call witnessed professional and cultural engagements with the Portuguese Navy, strengthening maritime cooperation and camaraderie between the two navies. A formal deck reception was hosted onboard the Portuguese Navy’s sail training vessel, NRP Sagres. This was followed by a reciprocal evening deck reception onboard INS Sudarshini for local military leadership, diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora.

The ship also celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day at Ponta Delgada on 15 Aug 2026. The ship was dressed overall, and a Colours ceremony was held to mark the occasion with pride and patriotism.

INS Sudarshini has now set sail for Lisbon. On 21 Aug 2026, INS Sudarshini and NRP Sagres are scheduled to undertake a joint Passing Exercise (PASSEX) at sea, featuring coordinated sail manoeuvres and communication drills, further strengthening interoperability and maritime cooperation between the two navies.

New Delhi: DSC A24, the fifth ship of five Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project, was launched on 01 Aug 2026 at Titagarh, Kolkata (WB) by Mrs Kamal Singh in presence of Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Chief of Personnel. The event was conducted with full naval traditions and ceremonial splendour, in presence of senior officials from Indian Navy and M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL).

The construction of Diving Support Craft is being undertaken by M/s TRSL, Kolkata. Featuring a catamaran-hull form and an approximate displacement in range of 300 to 400 tons, these ships offer superior stability, enhanced deck area, and improved sea-keeping characteristics, which make them suitable for undertaking Diving operations. Designed and built in accordance with the Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

With induction of these ships, the Indian Navy’s capabilities in Diving Support, Underwater Inspection, Salvage Assistance, and Coastal Operational Deployment will be augmented. With 70 percent of main and auxiliary equipment sourced from indigenous manufacturers, Diving Support Craft are proud flag bearers of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiative of Government of India (GoI)/ Ministry of the Defence (MoD).

New Delhi: ‘Nipun’ the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited was delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 Jul 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The vessel has been designed and constructed in accordance with Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

‘Nipun’ draws her name from Sanskrit signifying ‘one who is adept, capable, and well versed in a particular discipline’. True to the name, the ship is highly specialised and is capable of undertaking deep sea dive operations and rescue operations at sea.

The ship is installed with state-of-the-art Dive Equipment and has capability to undertake Deep Sea Saturation Diving. A side diving stage has also been provided for undertaking Diving Operations. The Remotely Operated Vehicles further enhance the ship’s operational capabilities by facilitating diver monitoring and salvage operations. In addition, the ship would also serve as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), to evacuate personnel in case of an emergency in a submarine.

Nipun’s delivery is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy’s quest for indigenous Shipbuilding upholding the Government’s vision of an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ with nearly 75 percent Indigenous Content. The delivery marks a major step in bolstering the Indian Navy’s capabilities in the niche domain of Deep Sea Dive Operations.

New Delhi: Machilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy, was launched on 29 Jul 2026 by Mrs. Goolrukh Anand in the presence of Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary of Department of Military Affairs. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Indian Navy, Cochin Shipyard Limited, and other distinguished guests.

Machilipatnam carries deep historical and cultural significance as it derives its name from the historic port city of Machilipatnam, in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich maritime legacy and flourishing trade along India’s eastern seaboard. The ship proudly embodies the spirit and legacy of Machilipatnam while reinforcing the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.

The ship is equipped for Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), along with Mine Warfare capability. The ship will further bolster coastal defence and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness.

The launch of Machilipatnam marks another milestone in the successful execution of the ASW SWC project and reaffirms India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing. With indigenous content exceeding 80 percent, the project showcases the growing capability of the Indian shipbuilding industry and will substantially enhance the Indian Navy’s operational readiness for safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

New Delhi: INS Sudarshini, the sail training ship of the Indian Navy, departed Boston, USA on 25 Jul 2026, as part of ongoing Lokayan 26. During her stay, the ship proudly represented India at the prestigious SAIL 250 celebrations and the International Naval Review 250, showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage while strengthening maritime partnerships through professional and cultural engagements.

The ship participated in SAIL 250 events at Norfolk, Baltimore, New York, and Boston, and hosted dignitaries, members of the Indian diaspora, and international naval delegations, reaffirming India’s commitment to maritime cooperation and friendship.

INS Sudarshini has now set course for Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal). The ship continues to serve as a beacon of India’s maritime strength, professionalism, and goodwill on the global stage.

New Delhi: INS Malvan, the second of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned at Karwar on 22 Jul 2026. The event was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Other senior naval officers, representatives from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, veterans, and distinguished guests were also in attendance.

The ship carries deep historical and cultural significance as it derives its name from the historical coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, a region intrinsically linked to the illustrious maritime heritage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The vessel also encapsulates the legacy of her predecessor, an inshore Indian Naval Minesweeper that remained in service till 2003.

INS Malvan is the second of eight ASW-SWCs, being indigenously built by CSL, Kochi, and the sixth of 16 ASW-SWCs to be commissioned into Indian Navy. With over 80 percent indigenous content, the ship reinforces the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s expanding ecosystem of naval design, equipment, system integration, and growing self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.

The vessel is equipped for Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) along with Mine Warfare capability. The vessel will further bolster coastal defence, littoral security, and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness.

The crest of INS Malvan carries the ‘Bagh Nakha’ (Tiger’s Claw), symbolising bravery, warfare tactics, agility, and audacity, resonating with the ship’s ethos to attack rapidly and strike silently. 

The waves surrounding ‘Bagh Nakha’ reflect the vast sea surrounding the coasts and the Indian Navy’s unwavering resolve to remain ever vigilant, ever ready, and steadfast in safeguarding the nation’s seas and sovereignty. The ship’s motto, ‘Silent Claws’, embodies lethality, stealth, and the ability to strike the adversary swiftly.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Chief of the Air Staff emphasised the critical importance of safeguarding sea lines of communication to ensure unimpeded maritime trade amid global uncertainties. He lauded the Indian Navy’s impressive growth and its commitment to the Aatmanirbhar initiative, specifically highlighting the warship’s over 80 percent indigenous content.

Drawing inspiration from the Indian Navy’s model of embedding officers directly into the shipbuilding process, he suggested that similar practices could accelerate self-reliance across the broader defence ecosystem. He also reaffirmed the vision of tri-service integration, calling for seamless jointness among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force to ensure the nation succeeds as one unified force in future conflicts.

The commissioning of INS Malvan adds a significant punch to the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities. With the ability to operate seamlessly with larger surface combatants, submarines, and aviation assets, induction of INS Malvan enables the Indian Navy to remain Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready to ensure national security and safeguard India’s maritime interests at all times and at all locations.