The Indian Navy has completed its first-ever submarine intervention and rescue exercise in the South China Sea, successfully carrying out “mating” drills with foreign submarines during Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR-25).

The milestone was achieved from INS Nistar, the Navy’s newest indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), which has been on its maiden port call at Singapore’s Changi naval base since September 14.

Navy officials confirmed on Saturday that three successful submarine mates, including remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations, were carried out over three days at sea.

The drills were conducted under the command and control of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. INS Nistar, supported by the Navy’s Submarine Rescue Unit (East), took part in multiple intervention and rescue operations alongside foreign assets in the South China Sea.

Three Subs Three Mates Three Days ….#IndianNavy successfully achieved maiden mating of the #DSRV with foreign submarines in South China Sea during #XPR25 conducting full spectrum of Intervention & Rescue Operations.

This included ROV ops over three days, showcasing our… https://t.co/5obKQoU0g4 pic.twitter.com/RdkuLS13Dk

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) September 27, 2025

Exercise Pacific Reach 2025, hosted by Singapore, began on September 15 and brought together submarine rescue platforms and units from over 40 nations, either as active participants or observers. The biennial event is aimed at harmonising rescue procedures, sharing best practices and building interoperability among global navies.

The exercise had two phases- harbour and sea. The harbour phase included discussions on submarine rescue systems, a medical symposium, subject matter expert exchanges, and cross-deck visits among ships.

The sea phase focused on practical drills, where INS Nistar and the Indian rescue unit tested their systems with foreign submarines in live operations.

Defence analysts said the exercise was important both technically and strategically. Retired Commodore Anil Jai Singh said submarine rescue shows India’s operational readiness and willingness to help other navies in need.

India has been developing its submarine rescue capability. Since 2018–19, the Navy has two deep-submergence rescue vessels (DSRVs), one each for the eastern and western coasts, capable of operating up to 650 metres deep.

The choice of the South China Sea for this maiden overseas exercise added significance, as it remains one of the world’s most contested maritime regions, with overlapping territorial claims from China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

Tensions are high, with Chinese vessels in a standoff against US-backed Philippine naval forces at the Second Thomas Shoal.

For India, participating in Pacific Reach 2025 allowed the Navy to test its systems in challenging waters, build stronger ties with partner nations, and show its ability to carry out humanitarian and safety missions beyond the Indian Ocean.

Reference: PTI

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