The Indian Navy has marked a major milestone by successfully achieving its first-ever “mating” with foreign submarines during an ongoing multinational exercise in the South China Sea, officials confirmed on Saturday. The complex drills were conducted under the framework of Exercise Pacific Reach (XPR-25), hosted by Singapore since September 15.
In naval parlance, mating refers to two or more systems coming together, in this case between the Indian Navy’s submarine rescue unit and foreign submarines. The exercise, which involves more than 40 nations as participants or observers, aims to bolster international cooperation in submarine rescue and intervention operations.
The Indian Navy’s indigenously designed Diving Support Vessel INS Nistar, operating under the Eastern Fleet, reached Singapore’s Changi port on September 14 to take part in the biennial drill. Its sea phase commenced the following day, with Indian assets conducting multiple submarine rescue and intervention operations in coordination with international partners.
“Indian Navy successfully achieved maiden mating with foreign submarines in South China Sea during ‘XPR-25,’ conducting the full spectrum of intervention and rescue operations,” officials said. Over three days, the Navy carried out three successful mating evolutions, including Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations.
A senior naval officer noted that the achievement highlights India’s growing global submarine rescue capabilities. “The milestone underscores our readiness, interoperability, and commitment to global submarine rescue, proving India as a dependable maritime partner and proactive contributor to regional safety and humanitarian response at sea,” he said.
India has been steadily strengthening its submarine rescue infrastructure. With the induction of two Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs) in 2018–19, one on each seaboard, the Navy can conduct rescue operations up to depths of 650 meters. This capability places India in an elite group of nations operating dedicated submarine rescue systems.
The successful operations at XPR-25 reaffirm India’s role in regional maritime security, showcasing both its technological progress and its willingness to cooperate with global navies in addressing underwater emergencies.
